Elderly Woman Seriously Injured In ‘Unprovoked’ Attack: Middletown PD

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A man has been arrested in connection with an “unprovoked” attack that seriously injured an elderly woman outside the Russell Library in Middletown last week, according to police.

Police responded to the area of Russell Library, 123 Broad St., on March 23 on the report of an assault that occurred outside on the sidewalk area.

An investigation found that a 62-year-old victim suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull and a brain bleed, after an “unprovoked attack,” according to police.

The suspect was later identified as 37-year-old Bryon Bell of Middletown, police said.

“Bell was captured on surveillance video striking, stomping, and kicking the female victim before fleeing the scene prior to police arrival,” police wrote in a news release. “Middletown Police Patrol Officers and Detectives from the Major Investigations Unit worked in unison to identify Bell as the suspect and disseminate his image. Officers across all shifts worked tirelessly to locate and arrest Bell and prevent further damage to the community.”

Bell was seen on Court Street on March 24 and ran after seeing officers, according to police.

After a lengthy chase, police said officers found Bell hiding behind a residence on St. John’s Street.

Bell was arrested and charged with first-degree assault on an elderly victim, first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an officer, and second-degree breach of peace. He was being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond with a court date of May 23, according to state judicial records.