NORWICH – Just after midnight on Thursday, September 22, members of the Norwich Police Department responded to a call of a badly injured individual on Birdsall Street in Norwich.

Police said one person was the victim of a felony assault following a fight between co-workers who live in the same building.

Luis A. Franco, 28, of Brooklyn, was charged with second degree felony assault and arraigned at Norwich City Court. He was held on $25,000 cash bail and will reappear in court at a later date.

“This was a violent assault that led to the victim having multiple broken bones, a fractured spine and a collapsed lung,” reported Norwich Detective Sgt. Reuben Roach.

The incident took place at about 12:30 a.m. and when police responded to the location on Birdsall Street concerned citizens flagged them down seeking urgent medical aid for the badly beaten victim.

In a statement the PD reported, “Norwich police officers immediately transported the injured individual to Chenango Memorial Hospital due to the level of the victim’s injuries. The victim was later transported to a hospital in Binghamton, NY and is listed as critical but stable condition.”

“This was an isolated case where the victim knew the principle,” said Roach.

During the response police said a number of contract workers from outside the area were found to be temporarily residing in a basement below a nearby business. Police said they faced a language barrier, complicating the initial response. Police estimated about 10 people were residing in the basement of the facility when the attack occurred, and that those involved were staying with the group.

Police said a motive for the attack was not clear but said alcohol consumption likely played a role.

City codes was contacted following the police investigation to review the housing arrangement.