Police: Homeless Man Attempted to Rob Hamden CVS, Assaulted Employee

A homeless man is accused of attempting to rob the CVS Pharmacy on Dixwell Avenue and assaulting a female employee, including punching her in the head several times, as she was unlocking the front door early Wednesday morning.

Hamden police were called to the store, located at 2045 Dixwell Avenue, at about 6:40 a.m. on the report of an attempted armed robbery, Capt. Ronald Smith said in a press release.

Smith said the suspect approached the employee as she was unlocking the front door and repeatedly punched her in the head, while demanding that she unlock the door and “get the money.”

The employee subsequently screamed and the suspect fled on foot, according to Smith.

Moments later, Officers Peter Conti and Daniel Allen observed the subject walking on Dixwell Avenue, near Weybossett Street.

The officers arrested the subject, Anthony Griffin, after a foot pursuit. Griffin was in the possession of the hockey mask that he used during the attempted robbery and assault, according to Smith.

A search of the area led to the discovery of a black-colored bb gun, which Griffin had thrown, Smith said.

Griffin, 35, who is homeless, was arrested on charges of first-degree attempted robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon, third-degree assault and interfering with a police officer. Griffin, who was detained at police headquarters on a $100,000 bond, was arraigned in court in Meriden Wednesday.

Pictured: Anthony Griffin, 35. Hamden Police Department Photo

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