Hamden Police Charge Teen in Connection to 'Vicious Assault' on Farmington Canal Line

Hamden police have charged a New Haven teenager in connection with the “vicious assault” and robbery of a 19-year-old woman in November.

The 18-year-old suspect was 17 at the time of the incident and her name isn’t being released because she was charged as a juvenile.

Police previously arrested Keyasia Bell, 18, of Hamden, and a 15-year-old Hamden resident in connection to the case.

On Nov. 24, 2014, Hamden Police responded to the area of Dixwell Avenue and Arch Street on the report of a robbery and assault. Officers located the 19 year-old victim, who was seated in the motor vehicle of a Good Samaritan, and was naked from the waist down, Capt. Ronald Smith said in a press release.

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Investigation revealed that the victim met with an acquaintance on the Farmington Canal Line. While she was conversing with the acquaintance, another individual approached her from behind and punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground.

The victim was then continually “punched and kicked” in the face, according to Smith. Her cell phone, sneakers, pants and undergarments were removed during the vicious assault. In addition, her eyeglasses were broken by the assailants.

The victim was able to stagger from the scene, where she was met by a New Haven resident, who allowed her to sit inside of her vehicle. The victim was subsequently transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital with serious facial injuries.

Detective Jomo Crawford conducted an extensive investigation which led to the application of an arrest warrant for the then 17-year-old.

The 18-year-old female was charged with second-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny, third-degree assault, and conspiracy to commit third-degree assault. She is scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court on Aug. 3.