Man Tasered After Attempted Bank Fraud: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A New Hampshire man who tried to fraudulently withdraw $5,000 from a bank account was subdued with a Taser after shoving a police officer while trying to escape Friday in Wallingford, according to police.

Police responded to Wells Fargo Bank at 872 North Colony Road on Dec. 13 on the report of a person inside the bank trying to commit a fraud, according to Lt. Cheryl Bradley. Bank staff told police that the suspect was impersonating another man while trying to withdraw money from his account.

The first-arriving officer tried to talk to the suspect, who was “non-compliant and shoved the officer in an attempt to flee,” according to Bradley.

Bradley said the man ran outside and ignored the officer’s orders to stop. The man was then subdued with a Taser and placed in handcuffs, Bradley said.

The man initially gave police a fake name but was later identified as Tyson Hazelton, 40, from Concord, New Hampshire, according to Bradley.

Bradley said Hazelton was found to be trying to withdraw $5,000 from a bank account belonging to a Wells Fargo customer out of Colorado. Hazelton had a fake Colorado License with the real customer’s name and correct address information. He also had a sticky note with the account, balance and PIN, according to Bradley.

Tyson was also in possession of what Bradley said appeared to be a fake HSBC Mastercard in the victim’s name along with another fake Colorado license and Sovereign Visa card issued to another person.

Hazelton was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree forgery, two counts of third-degree identity theft and one count each of attempt to commit third-degree larceny and interfering with an officer. While being booked, police learned that Hazelton was wanted out of New Hampshire for a parole violation charge and he was then charged with fugitive from justice, according to Bradley.

Hazelton was held on a $500,000 bond and taken to Meriden Superior Court on Monday morning.