Group Attacks, Robs 79-Year-Old Man: Police

A Hamden man was among three arrested in connection to the assault and robbery of a 79-year-old man in New Haven.

New Haven police say the man, a New Haven resident, was beaten and robbed by a group of five men near Bradley Street and Whitney Avenue on Nov. 27.

New Haven Police located three of the suspects on Wednesday (Dec. 9) night and arrested Kelton Gilbert Jr., 18, of Mix Avenue, Hamden, Lawrence Minor Jr., 19, of New Haven, and a 17-year-old juvenile from New Haven.

The man was attacked while walking home from work on Hillhouse Avenue, according to New Haven Police Spokesman Officer David B. Hartman.

The victim told police that he had seen five young black men, including one on a bicycle, pass him on Whitney Avenue and as he turned onto Bradley Street, he saw the same group.

One of them hit him from behind and the man told police he remembered being punched, kicked and thrown to the ground and then likely lost consciousness. When he came to, his backpack and wallet were gone.

Hartman said a witness told police he had seen the group in question, but didn’t realize they were beating up the victim until they fled and he could see the victim on the ground.

Officers were able to locate the victim’s wallet.

Gilbert, Minor and the juvenile were all charged with first-degree assault, first-degree assault on an elderly person, first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, reckless endangerment and conspiracy to commit for all of the aforementioned charges.

Hartman said the suspects admitted to detectives there were two others who participated in the robbery and assault of the victim. None would provide information on their identities and the suspects remain at large.

New Haven Police are continuing to investigate and urge anyone who witnessed the attack or who may have information to call 203-946-6304. Calls may be made anonymously.

Hartman also said New Haven Police received assistance from the Yale University Police Department and helped identify the suspects.

Pictured, from left to right): Kelton Gilbert Jr., 18, of Mix Avenue, Hamden, and Lawrence Minor Jr., 19, of New Haven.

New Haven Police Department photos