‘Rash Of Violence’ Leads To Increased Patrols In Hamden: Police

HAMDEN, CT — Police are increasing patrols in Hamden due to a “rash of violence” that included four violent crimes that occurred within a span of 1 hour and 4 minutes on Thursday, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

The first incident took place at a Giles Street residence around 4:15 p.m. when two women were approached by “two young black males” while standing in a driveway, according to Smith. One of the suspects pointed a gun at them and demanded their belongings, Smith said. One of the victims reached for a phone, at which time the suspects fled in a stolen vehicle.

Four minutes later, a woman parked her vehicle in the parking lot of 1744 Dixwell Ave. Two suspects, described as black males, “pulled next” to her vehicle and one of the suspects “tapped on her window” with a gun, according to Smith. The victim then drove away at a high rate of speed.

Six minutes later, officers responded to 2300 Dixwell Ave. on the report of an armed street robbery. As the victim entered his vehicle, he was approached by a “young black male” who was brandishing a gun, Smith said. The suspect ordered him out of his vehicle. The gunman and another juvenile subsequently stole the vehicle and drove off toward Dixwell Avenue, according to Smith.

At about 5:20p.m., police responded to an armed street robbery in the parking lot of 1890 Dixwell Ave. While entering her vehicle, the victim was approached by a black male who pointed a gun at her, according to Smith. The suspect stole her purse and cell phone. The suspect fled from the scene in a dark-colored SUV, southbound on Dixwell Avenue.

“The Hamden Police Department has increased patrols due to this rash of violence,” Smith said. “The Hamden Police Department Detective Division is working collaboratively with the New Haven Police Department with regards to these criminal acts.”