Hamden Police Charge Two Town Teens in 'Vicious Assault' on Farmington Canal Line

Hamden police have arrested two town teens in connection with the assault and robbery of a 19-year-old victim on the Farmington Canal line in November.

Police responded to the area of Dixwell Avenue and Arch Street on the report of an assault and robbery on Nov. 24. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, who was seated in the motor vehicle of a Good Samaritan, and was nude from the waist down, Capt. Ronald Smith said in a press release.

Smith said investigation revealed that the victim met with an acquaintance, Keyasia Bell, on the Farmington Canal line. While she was conversing with Bell, 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. Smith said the victim’s cell phone, sneakers, pants and undergarments were removed in the vicious assault. In addition, her eyeglasses were broken by the assailants.

The victim was able to stagger from the scene, where she met with a New Haven resident who allowed her to sit inside of her vehicle. Hamden Fire Rescue responded to the scene and rendered medical assistance. She was subsequently transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital.

The victim suffered serious facial injuries, as well as injuries to her neck and arms. Officers described her eyes as “swollen shut.”

Detective Jomo Crawford conducted an extensive investigation which led to the application of an arrest warrant for Keyasia Bell and two juveniles. The court approved the arrest warrant applications.

Bell, 18, of 362 Putnam Avenue, Apartment A in Hamden, turned herself in to police custody on Jan. 8. She was charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault and second-degree larceny. Bell was arraigned in Meriden Superior Court later on Jan. 8.

A 15-year-old Hamden resident turned herself in to police custody on Tuesday (Jan. 13). She was charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault, second-degree larceny and conspiracy. She was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Bridgeport. She is scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court in New Haven on Jan. 22.

Pictured: Keyasia Bell, 18. Hamden Police Department photo.

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