Suspect Arrested in Machete Attack in Shelton

SHELTON, CT — A suspect has been arrested in connection with an Oct. 3 machete attack and robbery on two teenage victims, according to Shelton police.

Arrested Wednesday was Ansonia resident Corey Welch, 26, who was charged with first-degree Robbery, first-degree Assault, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, and fifth-degree Larceny.

The incident occurred in the area of Shelton's Riverwalk at about 8 p.m.

"The two victims ages 16 and 19 were approached by an unknown male and asked if they hung around with a certain person," police wrote in a statement. "The male then pushed the 19 year old victim to the ground and pulled out a machete and put it to his throat. The suspect continued to yell and then choked and assaulted the victim. The suspect then took the other victim’s cell phone and other items and threw them into the river. The suspect eventually let go and both victims were able to leave."

Through an investigation, Shelton detectives were able to identify Welch as the suspect, and they obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Welch, who was already in custody at Derby Superior Court on unrelated charges, was held in lieu of a $150,000 bond and was arraigned Wednesday. His next scheduled court date was not immediately known.

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