Six Arrested in Wild Overnight Crime Spree in Hamden: Police

Hamden, CT — Hamden Police made several arrests and are continuing to investigate following a wild overnight crime spree that began with a report of a loud party and included stolen cars, drugs, a police cruiser struck, a loaded gun, home burglaries and a hoverboard thrown at a police officer.

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It all started at about 12:10 a.m. on June 19 when Hamden Police responded to the parking lot of the Laurel View Country Club, 310 West Shepard Avenue, on the report of a loud party, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Officer Stephen DeGrand arrived, and numerous vehicles began to flee from the area. DeGrand immediately ascertained that at least two of the vehicles had been reported stolen, according to Smith.

Moments later, one of the stolen vehicles returned to the parking lot, and the driver subsequently fled on foot, Smith said.

The two passengers were arrested, and both were found to be in the possession of a small quantity of marijuana, according to Smith.

The passengers, Taneya Howard-Gravely, 19, of 297 Mill Rock Road in Hamden, and a 17-year-old Hamden resident, were both charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny, first-degree criminal trespass, first-degree criminal mischief and possession of marijuana. They are scheduled to appear in court in on June 29.

“Shortly thereafter, officers located a third stolen motor vehicle, which was occupied by three individuals, in the Laurel View Country Club parking lot,” Smith said in a press release. “The vehicle purposely struck a police vehicle that was operated by Sergeant Michael Sigmon.”

The three individuals, Kahleel Carmon, 19, and two 17-year-old New Haven residents, were promptly arrested.

Carmon was in possession of 13 bags of marijuana, and one of the juveniles was in possession of nine bags of marijuana, according to Smith.

Smith said a subsequent search of the stolen vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded 9mm handgun.

Carmon, of 177 Winthrop Avenue in New Haven, was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, weapons in a motor vehicle, first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny, possession of marijuana, simple trespass, reckless driving, engaging an officer in pursuit and operating without a license.

Carmon, who was detained on a $50,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden on June 29.

The two juveniles were charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, weapons in a motor vehicle, first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny and simple trespass.

One of the juveniles was additionally charged with possession of marijuana. They are scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court in New Haven on June 29.

“While in the process of arresting the aforementioned individuals, officers were dispatched to a Hill Street residence on the report of a burglary in progress,” Smith said. “Investigation revealed that an individual had entered the residence through an unlocked window. The homeowner had locked herself inside of her bedroom while the burglary was occurring. Several personal items were stolen.”

While investigating the Hill Street burglary, officers were dispatched to a West Shepard Avenue address on the report of an individual fleeing on foot in the backyard.

Officers recovered several stolen items from the Hill Street burglary. Further investigation revealed that several motor vehicles were tampered with, according to Smith.

One of the vehicles, which was parked in the West Shepard Avenue driveway, was reported stolen moments earlier from another West Shepard Avenue resident.

Approximately two hours later, officers responded to a Paradise Avenue residence on the report of a burglary in progress.

The homeowners advised police that an individual with a flashlight had entered their home.

“Investigation revealed that entry was gained through an unlocked rear door,” Smith said. “The female resident ‘acted as she was asleep’ when the individual entered her bedroom. Several credit cards were stolen in the burglary. A search for the individual was unsuccessful.”

At approximately 6 a.m., officers responded to another burglary-in-progress at a Shepard Avenue residence.

The suspect attempted to steal the homeowner’s motor vehicle and fled on foot. Moments later, Officer William May observed the individual in the vicinity of Shepard Avenue and Bear Path Road. Smith said the individual, who was identified as a 16-year-old Hamden resident, threw a hoverboard at May. May’s K-9 partner “Blaze” chased the juvenile and contained him.

The juvenile was charged with first-degree burglary, three counts of third-degree burglary, first-degree larceny, two counts of sixth-degree larceny, credit card theft, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trespass, possession of marijuana and two counts of interfering with a police officer. The juvenile was remanded to custody, according to Smith.

Smith said the investigations are continuing.

Pictured: Kahleel Carmon, 19, of New Haven (first photo) and Taneya Howard-Gravely, 19, of Hamden / Hamden Police Department