Suspect In Assault Of School Custodian In Custody: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — The suspect in the recent assault and robbery of a custodian inside the Wintergreen Magnet School was taken into custody Sunday in New York, according to police.

The New York Police Department notified Hamden police Sunday morning that they had Jordan Richards, 32, in custody, according to Hamden Police Sgt. Angela Vey.

Richards is accused of assaulting the custodian during the early morning hours on Jan. 31 and stealing his wallet and keys, and ultimately his vehicle.

Richards was taken into custody on the strength of an active arrest warrant out of Hamden, which was obtained on Feb. 4, according to Vey.

Richards has the following charges awaiting him in Connecticut, first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, second-degree larceny, third-degree larceny, interfering with an emergency call and illegal use of a payment card, with a court set bond of $750,000. Richards is being charged as a fugitive from justice by the NYPD and the extradition process is underway, according to Vey.

“Over the course of the last week, Richards has evaded efforts to take him into custody,” Vey wrote in a news release. “He is suspected of engaging various Law Enforcement Agencies in pursuits between Hamden and New York over this time.

“We would like to thank all the Agencies that assisted with this investigation and eventual capture of this dangerous individual, especially NYPD Officers who apprehended him earlier today.”