Man accused of gouging grandma's eyes out during fight

LONG ISLAND, New York -- A man is accused of gouging his grandmother's eyes out during a fight and leaving her blind.

Officials announced Wednesday that 30-year-old Michael Grief was arrested on three counts of violent assault for the incident.

In court, officials said the Feb. 19 incident was a result of a dispute with Grief's 78-year-old grandmother, Sheila Grief, in the home they share.

Authorities say the fight started after he overdrew her debit card by $1,000. She ran to a neighbor's house for help.

Moments later, prosecutors say he followed her outside and "pressed his fingers into her eyes, one at a time, causing the globe of each eye to rupture."

Neighbors became aware of the assault and called police.

She was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital where she underwent eight hours of surgery. Doctors say she has less than a one percent chance of regaining her sight.

Prosecutors say that when he was told what he did, he simply shrugged and said "So."

"He seemed apathetic toward the situation," Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said. "This is an individual who we consider dangerous and we have to take all appropriate action."

Officials said he does not have any prior arrests, but he does have a history of mental illness and had been admitted for care when he was younger.

He is being held on $500,000 cash bail and $1 million bond. If convicted, he could serve up to 25 years.

The superintendent of their building said he heard fights going on for years.

"I heard yelling and screaming, sometimes they would fight and stuff, and then one of the neighbors that lived here years ago said that they always fought," superintendent David Ryan said.

"The message here is one about domestic violence: Often people find themselves in situations with their family members where they feel helpless or threatened, and we want to encourage those people to reach out," Sini said. "If you are in immediate danger, call 911. In non-emergency situations, you can also reach out to the district attorney's office and we can put you in contact with a victim's advocate who can empower you and help you navigate the process of ensuring your safety."