Waterbury police offers reward for Barbershop attacker: “Victims in critical condition”

Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction

of the man or men responsible for the brutal beating of an 83-year-old barber and his 70-year-old customer.

John Rosa, a beloved barber, business owner and resident of the Hill Street neighborhood, was still listed in critical condition at Saint Mary’s Hospital two days after his attack on December 29.

His customer, Douglas Frink awoke from a medically induced coma a day after the attack, but was also still listed in critical condition.

Police believe Rosa was brutally beaten in the head and left bloody and semi-conscious on the floor of his Hill Street shop, all for the few dollars in his cash till.

Investigators say there are indications Rosa and Frink resisted during the early morning assault.

Rosa, a father and grandfather, is fighting for his life and has said little about the man or men who used a blunt object to beat him bloody, according to his wife Elaine Rosa.

Investigators say no arrests have been made and they have not ascertained whether there are one or two suspects involved. Police have received several tips, but are pleading for help from the public.

Police Superintendent Michael Gugliotti on December 31 approved the use of a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

“We have received a tremendous amount of inquiries and support from the community,” Gugliotti said. “In partnership with those members of the community, the Waterbury Police Department announces a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in this deliberate, vicious and brutal attack.”

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the confidential CrimeStoppers tip line at (203) 755- 1234.