Suspect in Lynn elderly assault held on no bail

SALEM – A Lynn man accused of brutally attacking and robbing a 94-year-old woman in her home on South Common Street earlier this year remains held without bail at the Cambridge Jail following his arraignment in Salem Superior Court.Michael Leroy Collins, 56, of 50 Andrew St., #203, pleaded innocent to charges of armed robbery, home invasion and assault and battery on a victim over the age of 60 before Judge Howard J. Whitehead.Assistant District Attorney James P. Gubitose immediately filed a petition for a dangerousness hearing, maintaining that Collins is a danger to the victim and community and should be held without bail pending trial.Whitehead agreed to set down a hearing date of June 3.In the meantime, Collins remains held without bail.Defense lawyer Mark Schmidt is expected to argue for conditions of release that would ensure the public safety as well as the safety of the victim until trial.On the night of Jan. 25 at about 8 p.m., Collins is accused of bursting into the home of 94-year-old Lillian Sutson at 229 South Common St.The woman said there was a knock at her door and, as she opened it cautiously, she recognized Collins, who had come to her before asking for money. But, before she could shut the door, he allegedly barged in, pushing her to the ground and closed the door behind him.The victim told authorities she was hit over the head with a hard object, causing head lacerations that required 14 stitches to close. She also was pushed against a table as Collins grabbed her handbag and began rummaging through it for cash.When he didn’t find any, he then began going through her pockets. They struggled and the woman, who was holding a pen at the time, managed to stab Collins in his thigh.Collins became very angry, swore at the victim and continued rifling through her pockets, finding nearly $400 in cash. He then quickly fled from the building as she screamed for help.Police arrested Collins a short time later on Neptune Boulevard.The money stolen reportedly was not recovered, according to reports.