Man Assaulted, Knocked Unconscious In Wendy’s Parking Lot: Police

HAMDEN, CT — A New Haven man was arrested Thursday after police said he knocked another man unconscious in the Wendy’s parking lot in Hamden.

Police responded to Wendy’s at 2195 Dixwell Ave. around 1:30 p.m. on the report of an “assault with injuries,” according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said police found a 57-year-old Hamden resident lying on the ground in the parking lot. The victim, who was “semi-conscious,” had visible injuries on his face and head, according to Smith.

Hamden Fire Rescue personnel arrived and treated the man at the scene. The victim was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital with serious injuries, according to Smith.

Smith said an investigation found that the victim drove alongside a vehicle that was in the drive-thru lane and the victim apparently said “something” to the occupants in the vehicle.

The passenger, Kenneth Bell, got out of the vehicle and threw a drink at the victim’s vehicle, according to Smith. The victim got out of his vehicle, at which time Bell punched him in the face and knocked him unconscious, Smith said.

Bell and the driver then left the area.

Officer Derick Manning and Officer Ronald Glifort soon found Bell on Valley Street in New Haven. He was arrested and taken to police headquarters.

Bell told police that the victim used a racial slur, according to Smith.

Bell, 39, of Valley Street, was arrested on charges of second-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. He was held in lieu of a $5,000 bond with a court date of Oct. 5.