Update: Man, 38, Charged, Held On $1M Bail In Messina Drive Domestic Assault With Knife: EHPD

EAST HAVEN, CT — Update, 6 p.m. Monday:

At around 8:25 am, officers were dispatched to 55 Messina Drive, East Farm Village, for a report of a domestic violence-related stabbing, according to East Haven police spokesperson Capt. Joseph M. Murgo.

While officers were responding, East Haven Public Safety Dispatchers continued to provide updates to officers indicating that the suspect had fled the apartment and was running toward Messina Drive, Murgo said.

The man was quickly located by officer Jimmy Nguyen as he ran westbound on Messina Drive, Murgo said. Officer Ryan Michalowski arrived moments later, and 38-year-old Robert Saunders was taken into custody without further incident, Murgo said.

Meanwhile, Officers Anthony Fiorillo and Robert Celentano found an adult female in the apartment, the stabbing victim, suffering from life-threatening injuries, Murgo said.

Officers immediately began providing medical aid and worked to control the victim’s bleeding until East Haven Fire Department personnel arrived.

She was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment and is currently listed in stable condition, police said.

A juvenile was also inside the apartment at the time of the incident but was not injured, Murgo said.

As a result of the investigation, Saunders was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, risk of injury to a minor, and first-degree unlawful restraint.

Saunders is being held on a $1,000,000 surety bond in connection with the family violence incident and will face a judge tomorrow, Tuesday.

"The quick response and coordination between our dispatchers, patrol officers, supervisors, and detectives resulted in the suspect being taken into custody within minutes of the initial call," Murgo said. "Just as importantly, the officers who entered the apartment immediately transitioned from securing the scene to providing lifesaving medical care to the victim."

Murgo added: If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is out there. Please contact us so we can connect you to the appropriate services.d

This remains an active investigation.

Original story:

East Haven police are in the scene of a domestic violence-related assault involving a knife at the 55 Messina Drive apartments, according to police Capt Joseph M Murgo.

Murgo said the “suspect is in custody and there is no current threat to the public.”

The victim was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital with significant injuries, but their condition remains unknown at this time, he said.

Detectives are on scene investigating and processing the crime scene, and there will be a heavy police presence in the complex for the next few hours, police shared.

Check back for updates.