Boat Ramp Rage at Sandy Beach

Hopkinton—Steven Dana, a 70-year-old resident who also goes by Steve Dion, is facing an attempted murder charge resulting from a violent exchange at the Sandy Beach boat ramp last night. Dana is also charged with two counts of strangulation/suffocation and assault and battery on a disabled person. The younger man was on crutches due to injuries from an earlier accident.

Confrontation at Sandy Beach Turns Violent

Police received a call just before 7 P.M. concerning a fight in progress at the Sandy Beach boat ramp on Lake Maspenock. Investigators say the conflict started when Dana, who lives nearby, confronted a 21-year-old man about using Lake Maspenock.

Dispute Centered on Lake Access

Hopkinton reserves the boat ramp for residents during the summer, and Dana apparently believed the man was not local. Video evidence shows Dana slapping the 21-year-old, then both ended up in the water. Allegedly, Dana held the younger man’s head underwater until bystanders pulled him off.

When officers arrived, both men declined offers of medical treatment at the scene. Police sent Dana home while they began their investigation.

Arrest and Court Appearance

Police later arrested Dana at his home without incident. They held him overnight in Hopkinton, and he is scheduled to be arraigned today, Thursday, in Framingham District Court. HopNews checked with the court, and as of publication time, he had not yet been arraigned.

According to sources, van Raalten called it “an incident of senseless violence that could have had tragic results.” van Raalten urged residents to let authorities handle law enforcement instead of taking matters into their own hands.

Deputy Chief van Raalten also commended Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Sean McKeon and Noah Buentello, as well as the department’s communications staff, for their quick response.

Police Condemn Violence

“We work hard to get the clearest possible picture in incidents like this, even when emotions are running high,” van Raalten said. “Our officers remained professional throughout. Unnecessary violence has no place in Hopkinton.”

Parking Rules at Sandy Beach

Neighbors noticed Hopkinton police issuing parking tickets not long before the incident. Hopkinton residents may park at Lake Maspenock, specifically at Sandy Beach at 4 Lakeshore Drive. Non-residents may park there only if they live directly on the lake in the neighboring Piney Island/Crockett Road area. All cars parked at Sandy Beach must display a pass, even if staff are not on duty, to prevent overcrowding and manage lake safety.