Meriden Police Search For Suspects In 'Unprovoked Assault' At Stop & Shop

MERIDEN, CT — Police are searching for five suspects involved in an "unprovoked assault" Saturday at a Meriden Stop & Shop that resulted in the victim being knocked unconscious and losing teeth, according to police.

The attack occurred at about 3 p.m. at the Stop & Shop at 485 Broad Street, and all five suspects are believed to be in their late teens or 20s.

"On arrival a 28-year-old male victim was located along with his wife," wrote Meriden Police Sgt. Darrin McKay in a statement. "In speaking with them it was discovered that the victim and his wife had been walking to the grocery store when 5 unidentified males began to verbally harass them from a car. Attempts to ignore these males were unsuccessful and once the victim and his wife entered the store, these 5 males had already followed them into the lot, parked the car and walked into the store alongside the victim and his wife.

"These males continued to harass the couple and at this time the suspects had surrounded the couple. When one of the males threatened to punch the victim’s wife, the victim verbally objected. He was then struck by one of the males from behind who punched him in his face rendering him unconscious. The victim had several teeth knocked out as a result and required medical treatment due to the injuries."

According to police, the victims "did not know any of the suspects and at this time the assault and the harassment certainly appears to have been unprovoked."

The suspects fled in white-colored Ford Fusion. Anyone who may have information on the incident or the identities of the suspects is urged to contact Detective Mike Fonda at 203-630-4178. All calls will be kept confidential.

Photo credit: Meriden Police Department