Man ‘Kicks In’ Door, Assaults Girlfriend In Dispute: Hamden PD

HAMDEN, CT — A New Haven man is accused of “kicking in” the door to his girlfriend’s residence and assaulting her during a violent domestic dispute Thursday night in Hamden, according to police. At about 10 p.m. on Jan. 10, police responded to Mill Rock Road and found that Justin Soto, 21, had forcibly entered his girlfriend’s residence by “kicking in the back door,” according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Once inside, Soto argued with her, then pushed her and “slapped” her in the face, Smith said. The victim attempted to use her cellphone to call police but Soto took the phone and “smashed” it, according to Smith.

Hamden Police conducted an extensive search, including a K-9 track, for Soto that was unsuccessful, but he turned himself in at police headquarters shortly thereafter, according to Smith.

Soto, of Huntington Avenue in New Haven, was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary, third-degree assault, second-degree criminal mischief, interfering with an emergency call and disorderly conduct. Soto, who was released after posting a $1,000 bond, was scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on Friday.

Officer Robert O’Neill conducted the investigation.

Pictured: Justin Soto, 21, of New Haven / Hamden Police Department