Maryland man charged with attacking elderly Bethany Beach parking enforcement officer

BETHANY BEACH, Del. – A White Hall, Md., man is facing felony charges after police say he attacked an elderly parking enforcement officer in Bethany Beach.

Bethany Beach Police responded to South Atlantic Avenue for a reported assault. When officers arrived, they met with the 70-year-old officer, who said 24-year-old Eri Peluso had attacked him. The officer said he had been writing a parking ticket for Peluso’s vehicle when the incident happened.

Police say Peluso tackled the officer to the ground, putting his foot on his throat, and throwing the officer’s tablet at him while he was still on the ground. Police say Peluso tried to get away but was arrested shortly later. The officer was taken to the hospital and released after being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Peluso is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $21,100 secure cash bail, facing multiple charges.