Police Lieutenant Who Held Family Hostage Arrested: PD

NEW HAVEN, CT — A New Haven Police lieutenant who allegedly held his family hostage during a domestic incident was criminally charged Saturday.

Rahgue Tennant was charged with second-degree assault, second-degree threatening, three counts of risk of injury to a minor and first-degree unlawful restraint. He has been in police custody since Thursday.

Police were alerted about a barricaded person on Tolli Terrace in the city's Morris Cove neighborhood around 5:40 p.m. Thursday.

Tennant had assaulted his wife over the course of several days and then held her and her children against their will in their home, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

"I'm troubled deeply by what we've learned", said Chief Anthony Campbell. "We feel for the family and assure them their wellbeing is our first priority."

arrived to provide mutual aid. New Haven Police established communication with Tennant who asked for help and agreed to come out peacefully, Hartman said.

"Members of the man's family had been able to leave the home prior to the response and sought refuge at a neighbor's home nearby," Hartman said. "They were medically evaluated and are in the care of the department."

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