Shoplifter Chokes Home Depot Security Officer While Attempting to Flee Store: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man is accused of choking and slamming a Home Depot loss prevention officer to the ground while attempting to flee the store with more than $1,100 worth of stolen flooring materials, according to police.

Hamden Police responded to The Home Depot, located at 1873 Dixwell Avenue, at about 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 on the report of a shoplifter assaulting a staff member, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said investigation revealed that Thyshawn Wellesley attempted to exit the store with $1,158.28 worth of stolen flooring materials.

When he was approached by a loss prevention officer, Wellesley choked him and then “slammed” him to the ground, according to Smith.

The loss prevention officer struck his head on the concrete floor but was able to detain Wellesley until Hamden Police arrived, Smith said.

The loss prevention officer sustained injuries to his head, neck and chest and received medical assistance from the Hamden Fire Department.

Wellesley, 30, of the 300 block of Pine Rock Avenue, was arrested on charges of third-degree robbery, third-degree strangulation, fourth-degree larceny and second-degree breach of peace.

Wellesley, who was detained on a $25,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Nov. 10.

Officer Kyle Sampognaro conducted the investigation.

Pictured: Thyshawn Wellesley, 30, of Hamden / Photo via Hamden Police Department

Also see:

• CT Daycare Worker Breaks 3-Year-Old’s Arm: PD; Groping Suspect Caught; Woman Spotted Shooting Heroin with Kid in Car: CT News