Orange Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting Boy in Woods

Orange Police are stepping up patrols of the town's open space in light of an incident in which a 72-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy last night.

Police say the man, Pascual Punsal of Summit Drive in Orange, was arrested around 8 p.m. on Aug. 1 on charges of fourth-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and breach of peace. Punsal was released after posting a $25,000 bond, according to a police report released today.

The alleged incident took place at Racebrook Tract, a town-owned piece of open space with numerous hiking trails, in the area of Racebrook Road and Derby Avenue. 

The victim, a 15-year-old boy, related that he had been walking along a wooden boardwalk looking for a place to fish when he noticed an older — later identified as Punsal — walking toward him. As the man walked past the victim they exchanged “hellos,” the report states.   

About two minutes later, the victim told police, Punsal again approached the boy, stood very close and asked if he could kiss him. "At the same time Punsal grabbed the boy's genitals," police said. 

"The boy said no, pushed Punsal away and ran away," the report states.  

The responding officer, Brian Foote, recognized Punsal from the victims’ description and responded to his residence, police said. The victim positively identified Punsal, according to the report.  

Police say officers frequently patrol the town-owned open spaces, and they will be stepping up patrols as a result of this incident.