GREENWICH, CT (December 6, 2025) — A 31-year-old Port Chester, New York, man and former volunteer EMT surrendered to Greenwich police this week on charges that he stalked and sexually assaulted a female Eastern Middle School student in a premeditated Sept. 11 attack, authorities said.
Hector J. Romero Vargas turned himself in Dec. 1 after learning an arrest warrant had been issued. He faces charges of first-degree stalking, fourth-degree sexual assault, second-degree unlawful restraint, risk of injury to a child, second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace.
Vargas was arraigned the same day in Stamford Superior Court and held on $250,000 bond, which he was unable to post. He remains in custody.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:05 a.m. Sept. 11, 2025, on a paved pathway near the Eastern Middle School tennis courts that leads to the softball field, near the intersection of Lockwood Road and Breezemont Avenue (between Riverside Avenue and Sound Beach Avenue).
According to the arrest warrant, an adult male approached the girl from behind, wrapped his arms around her in a “bear hug,” held her for several seconds, then released her. No words were spoken and no weapons were displayed. The student ran to school and immediately reported the incident.
Surveillance footage from Sept. 10 showed Romero Vargas conducting what police described as a “dry run,” monitoring the victim’s route and familiarizing himself with her schedule. Additional video placed both his vehicle and person at the scene Sept. 11. Police traced the vehicle’s license plate directly to Romero Vargas.
The warrant further alleges he had been stalking Greenwich middle school students in the weeks leading up to the incident.
When interviewed by detectives, Romero Vargas voluntarily produced a Staples receipt as an alibi for the morning of the assault before officers disclosed the exact time of the incident. Detectives found this preemptive alibi highly suspicious and inconsistent with innocence.
The Greenwich Police Department’s Special Victims Section led the investigation and credited community tips and resident-provided video with helping identify the suspect.
“The Greenwich Police Department is extremely grateful for the tremendous assistance provided by members of our community,” the department said. “Detectives worked diligently over the past several weeks, tracking down numerous leads and investigating tips from concerned residents.”
“The successful resolution of this case was made possible through the invaluable information shared by the local community, which proved instrumental in identifying the alleged perpetrator,” police added.
Romero Vargas previously served as a volunteer EMT with Stamford Emergency Medical Services but is no longer active with the organization, according to Stamford EMS Chief Eddie Brown.
On Dec. 2, 2025, Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones informed families at Eastern Middle, Riverside and Old Greenwich schools of the arrest.
Greenwich police continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity, particularly around schools and children.
The case remains active in Stamford Superior Court.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.