Hamden Man Assaulted Woman Causing Injuries: Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man is accused of punching his ex-girlfriend in the face and head repeatedly even after she fell to the ground, police said. At 8:30a.m. Sunday Hamden Police responded to a Kaye Vue Drive address on the report of an assault, police said.

Upon arrival officers met with the 23 year-old victim. She stated that her ex-boyfriend, Taray Smart, 35, repeatedly punched her in the face and head, police said. When she fell to the ground, Smart continued to beat her, police said. He then stole her cell phone, before leaving her residence, police said.

Moments later, Officer Andrew Pfeiffer located Smart in a nearby parking lot, police said. Smart subsequently fled on foot into a wooded area, police said. Pfeiffer quickly located Smart and placed him under arrest, police said. The victim sustained injuries to the “entire right side of her face," police said.

Smart is charged with third-degree assault, third-degree robbery, second-degree breach of peace, and interfering with a police officer. Smart, who was detained on a $5,000 bond is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden on July 17. Officer Kyle Sampognaro conducted the investigation, police said.