2 Suspects Arrested In Assault On Couple At Meriden Stop & Shop: Cops

MERIDEN, CT — Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a Feb. 12 attack on a couple at a Meriden Stop & Shop that left the husband unconscious and with teeth knocked out.

The two men, Meriden resident Robert Cote and Waterbury resident Thomas Zanone, turned themselves into police custody on Thursday and were charged with:

• Assault in the 2nd Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Assault in the 2nd Degree
• Reckless Endgangerment in the 1st Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Endangerment in the 1st Degree
• Breach of Peace in the 2nd Degree

Both men have been released on a $50,000 bond and are expected to appear in court on March 16.

A warrant has been obtained for a third suspect who Meriden police expect will be turning themselves into custody soon.

"The swift and decisive work by Detective Michael Fonda could not have been done without the overwhelming support he had received from concerned citizens throughout the state," wrote police officials in a statement. "On behalf of the Meriden Police Department and the family of the victims, we are very grateful for the community's outpouring of support and the media's ability to spread our plea for assistance. We hope, that these combined efforts will help bring a sense of justice to the victims and community alike."

Photo: Robert Cote, left, and Thomas Zanone. Photo credit: Meriden Police Department