Man Assaulted Victim With Ax Handle At Gas Station: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man is accused of assaulting another man with an ax handle during an argument at a gas station last month, according to police. Hamden Police responded to the Gulf Gas Station located at 1624 Dixwell Avenue on Nov. 9 on the report of an assault. Police learned that the victim, a 50-year-old Hamden resident, was involved in an argument with Jesus Massa-Nunez, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said Massa-Nunez “became very upset” when the victim was backing his vehicle near the gas pumps. Massa-Nunez subsequently removed an ax handle from his vehicle and struck the victim several times in the “torso,” according to Smith. Massa-Nunez then fled from the area in a silver minivan.

Police distributed a photo of the suspect and asked the public for help with identifying him. On Nov. 15, Massa-Nunez responded to Hamden Police Headquarters after seeing his photo on TV, according to Smith. He told police that he struck the victim in “self-defense,” Smith said.

Officer Robert O’Neill conducted the investigation that led to an arrest warrant for Massa-Nunez.

Massa-Nunez, 42, of Warner Street, was arrested Dec. 12 on charges of second-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. Massa-Nunez, who was detained on a $1,000 bond, is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on Dec. 26.

Pictured: Jesus Massa-Nunez, 42, of Hamden / via the Hamden Police Department

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