Officer Assaulted By Shoplifting Suspect In West Hartford: Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford Police officer was hospitalized after being assaulted by a shoplifting suspect on Wednesday. Police responded to Walgreens, located at 324 North Main Street, at about 5:15 p.m. on May 16 on the report of a shoplifting in which the suspect fled the area.

While searching the area, an officer stepped out at Albany Avenue and Sioux Lane after seeing a person that matched the suspect’s description. The suspect made a quick movement to run so the officer grabbed the suspect's arm, according to police.

“The suspect, who was carrying a heavy bag, swung it forcefully at the officer, striking the officer in the head,” police wrote in the incident report. “The suspect fled in backyards of Sioux Lane and then turned on the officer in a fighting position, striking the officer again. The officer attempted to detain the suspect but the suspect was able to force the officer to the ground. The suspect was on top of the officer and began punching the officer in the head numerous times.”

The officer was able to kick the suspect off and the suspect fled again. The officer managed to get the suspect to the ground and eventually restrain him with the help of other officers who were coming to assist, according to police.

The officer was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated and treated for head trauma. The suspect, identified as Donald Anderson, was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Anderson, 48, was arrested on charges of second-degree assault, assault on a police officer, interfering with police and sixth-degree larceny. He was held on a $250,000 bond.

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