Man Convicted In Brutal Southington Denny's Dust-Up: Authorities

SOUTHINGTON/NEW BRITAIN, CT — State authorities said Wednesday that a Waterbury man has been convicted regarding a brutal 2018 assault at the Southington Denny's restaurant.

New Britain State's Attorney Christian M. Watson announced Wednesday that on Jan. 24, a New Britain Superior Court jury found Jason Calderon-Perez, 38, of Waterbury, guilty of second-degree assault.

Calderon-Perez was found guilty after a three-day trial in New Britain Superior Court before the Judge Laura F. Baldini, Watson said.

According to evidence presented at the trial, police on Aug. 11, 2018 were dispatched to the Denny’s, located at 621 Queen St. in Southington, on a report of a large altercation.

When police arrived, they found the male victim unconscious and bleeding from a head laceration, according to Watson.

The victim was taken to an area hospital.

Surveillance video of the assault showed the victim was punched from behind and rendered unconscious, Watson said.

While unconscious, the victim was punched a second time, according to Watson.

"The New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office would like to thank Southington Police Officer Chad Michaud and retired State Police Trooper David Merriam for their diligent investigative efforts in this case," wrote Watson in a statement.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Devant Joiner, with assistance from Inspector David Rohon.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 11.