A Bronx teenager defended his actions during arraignment in connection with the fatal assault of a tourist outside a local bodega.
Brownie Lopez, 19, is charged with assault and harassment after police say he punched 37-year-old Oliver D'Orio during an argument on Washington Avenue early Friday.
Investigators say D'Orio fell to the ground, hit his head and went into cardiac arrest following the confrontation, which was all captured on surveillance video.
According to court documents, Lopez said, "[D'Orio] called me an immigrant and asked me for drugs. I gave him a punch because he had something in his hands. I was scared and felt pressured and I hit him."
The teen is due back in court on Friday.