Man Threatened Pregnant Woman, Struck Police Cruiser: Hamden PD

HAMDEN, CT — A New Haven man faces several charges after police said he threatened two people, including a pregnant woman, during an incident inside Walmart and later struck a police cruiser while trying to get away from officers.

Hamden Deputy Police Chief Bo Kicak responded to a report of a fight at Walmart, 2300 Dixwell Ave., around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Kicak found that a man, who was later identified as Shavon Bethea-Lafrazier, threatened two people, including a pregnant woman, inside the store, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said Bethea-Lafrazier and his accomplice, Jaydah Gore, left the store and got into a vehicle. Kicak approached the vehicle, at which time Bethea-Lafrazier “drove at him at a high rate of speed,” Smith said.

Detective Mark Sheppard then saw Bethea-Lafrazier’s vehicle heading toward the southbound entrance to Route 15. A pursuit ensued, according to Smith.

During the pursuit, Smith said Bethea-Lafrazier “purposely struck a Hamden Police vehicle” and his vehicle left the roadway and came to a stop in nearby bushes. Bethea-Lafrazier and Gore were arrested and taken to police headquarters.

Police found a loaded 9mm handgun, with a 30-round extended magazine, they believe was thrown from the vehicle, according to Smith. Police determined the gun was stolen from a Hamden resident on Dec. 23, 2020, Smith said.

Bethea-Lafrazier, 24, of Market Street in New Haven, was arrested on charges of criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, second-degree reckless endangerment, criminal attempt to assault a police officer, theft of a firearm, second-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace and violation of a protective order. He was being held in lieu of a $200,000 bond.

Gore, 21, of Bradley Avenue in Hamden, was charged with second-degree breach of peace. She was released on a written promise to appear in court on April 5.

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