‘Out of Control’ Couple Charged for Incident at Mickey’s Restaurant, Pushing Officers: Hamden Police

Hamden, CT — An “out of control” Hamden couple is accused of causing a disturbance at Mickey’s Restaurant and police say the husband pushed and threatened an officer while being told to leave the premises.

Police responded to the restaurant, located at 2323 Whitney Avenue, at about 10:30 p.m. on June 29, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

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Smith said responding officers learned that two patrons, Ralph and Valerie Dondi, were acting erratically and “out of control.”

As officers asked them to leave the premises, Ralph Dondi, 66, pushed an officer and threatened him, according to Smith.

“Moments later, Ralph again aggressively approached another officer and pushed him,” Smith said in a press release. “He was promptly arrested and transported to police headquarters. Valerie Dondi, who grabbed an officer in an attempt to assist her husband, was also arrested.”

While at police headquarters, Valerie Dondi is accused of kicking another officer while also attempting to assault her husband in the cell block area.

While in the detention facility, Ralph Dondi struck a fourth officer in the chest, according to Smith.

Smith said it took officers three hours to process the “uncooperative couple.”

Hamden Police arrested:

Ralph Dondi Jr., 66, of 25 Hamden Hills Drive, Hamden. He was charged with breach of peace and interfering with a police officer. Dondi, who was released on a $5,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on July 14.

Valerie Dondi, 62, of 8304 River Preserve Drive, Bradenton, Florida, was charged with breach of peace and interfering with a police officer. She is also scheduled to appear in court in Meriden on July 14.

Officer William Iannone conducted the investigation.