Man Points Gun in Child's Face, Steals Bicycle, Robs Dollar Store in Hamden: Police

Hamden, CT - Police are asking the public for help to find the suspect who allegedly pointed a gun "in the face" of a 9-year-old boy, stole his bicycle and then tried to steal items from Dollar General, police said in a news release.

Police said at 6 p.m on Friday, July 15 officers responded to Dollar General, 1926 State Street, on the report of shoplifting.

Investigation revealed that an individual, described as a white or Hispanic male, 40’s, who was wearing a baseball hat, attempted to leave the store with concealed items, police said.

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The individual told the employees that he was in the possession of a firearm and that he would shoot them, police said in a statement.

As the suspect attempted to exit the store, a Dollar General employee shut the power to the sliding glass exit door, police said. The individual subsequently used a metal shelf to break the door, police said.

Prior to the Dollar General robbery, it appears that the same individual pointed a firearm “in the face” of a 9 year-old boy, who was riding his bicycle on Ridge Road, police said. The individual then stole the boy’s bicycle, police said. The bicycle was located outside of Dollar General.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brian Stewart of the Hamden Police Department Detective Division at (203) 230-4040.