Convicted Felon Charged in Enfield Assault

ENFIELD, CT — An Enfield man with a long criminal history, including 10 prior convictions, was arrested Friday evening following an altercation with his neighbor.

Justin Werther, 31, was charged with second-degree assault, second-degree breach of peace, second-degree reckless endangerment and carrying a dangerous weapon. He was held over the weekend in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Deputy Police Chief Gary Collins said officers were dispatched to Glendale Road at 5:06 p.m. Friday for a reported assault. Upon arrival, police found the complainant bleeding from a laceration near his left eye, as well as an injury to his left arm.

The victim told police Werther, who not only is the man's neighbor but also works for him, came to his house to collect his pay, when a verbal argument ensued which quickly turned physical. Werther allegedly picked up a wooden plant stake and struck the victim near the eye, causing the laceration, Collins said.

The victim picked up a garden tool to defend himself, so Werther went to his truck and returned brandishing a tire iron, which he used to strike the victim in the left arm. Werther then fled on foot, just before police arrived, Collins said.

A witness corroborated the victim's story, and Werther was taken into custody minutes later at his home, Collins said.

Judicial records indicate Werther has been convicted on 10 prior offenses, dating back to 2009. The majority of his convictions resulted in suspended sentences; his first prison term was a one-year sentence for burglary in May 2011.

His most recent conviction, also for burglary, was in Oct. 2014, resulting in a 15-month prison sentence.

Photo courtesy of Enfield Police Department