BELMONT — The Bronx teen who knocked out a Swiss tourist — who later died from his injuries — said that the victim called him an "immigrant" and asked him for drugs, according to court documents.
Brownie Lopez, 19, was arraigned Monday by Judge Doris Gonzalez in connection with the death of Oliver D'Orio, a 37-year-old Swiss tourist who was born in Italy and was in The Bronx visiting his girlfriend.
According to court papers, Lopez, who was charged with misdemeanor assault and harassment, told investigators that "he called me an immigrant and asked me for drugs."
He also said that he felt threatened by the situation, where the victim walked away from Guerrero Deli at 2334 Washington Ave., near East 184th Street, only to return a short time later.
"I gave him a punch because he had something in his hands," Lopez said, according to the court documents.
"I was scared and felt pressured and I hit him."
D'Orio was outside of the deli just after midnight Friday, where he got into an argument with Lopez, according to the NYPD.
D'Orio walked away but continued arguing with Lopez, eventually returning to him and taking off his shirt, sources said.
Dramatic surveillance video shows that Lopez then punched him in the face, knocking him to the pavement, where investigators believe he hit his head. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital and pronounced dead, police said.
Bail has been set at $5,000 cash for Lopez and his next appearance is scheduled for Friday, May 30.
Lopez's lawyer, Greg Stankowitz from the Bronx Defenders, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
