West Hartford Mother, Son Charged with Assaulting Neighbor

A West Hartford mother and son face several charges after an incident in which they allegedly forced their way into a neighbor’s apartment and assaulted him.

Sandra Davis, 47, and her 19-year-old son, James Cotton, were both arrested following a lengthy investigation because police said they were initially dispatched to the apartment building on Caya Avenue Friday night on a complaint from a third party who said his mother (Davis) was assaulted by a neighbor who also pulled a knife on his brother (Cotton).

However, after the investigation, police determined that it was Davis who went to her friend’s apartment. Police identified the friend as the victim.

Police said that after Davis and the victim consumed alcoholic beverages and illegal narcotics, Davis was asked to leave at around 11:30 p.m. Prior to leaving, police said Davis assaulted the victim with a beer bottle.

Upon being assaulted, the victim defended himself by striking Davis in the face and pushing her out of his apartment.

Davis returned home to inform her son, Cotton, that she was assaulted. Cotton then went to the victim’s apartment, confronted him, entered the apartment, took the victim’s umbrella, and assaulted him with it.

The victim was able to get Cotton out of his apartment after the assault continued into the apartment building hallway.

At that point, Cotton forced entry back into the apartment and then left, according to police. Cotton then returned, brandishing a golf club with Davis. Again, they forced their way into the victim’s apartment where the victim attempted to defend himself from Cotton, while Davis started to destroy the victim’s television.

The victim was punched in the face by Cotton, where he fell to the ground begging to be left alone, according to police.

Police said that Davis sustained an injury to her face while the victim sustained injuries to his arm and face. All medical attention was refused.

Cotton was arrested on charges of home invasion, conspiracy to commit home invasion, first-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary, third-degree assault of an elderly person, third-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, carrying a dangerous weapon, second-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. He was held on a $100,000 bond.

Davis was charged with home invasion, conspiracy to commit home invasion, first-degree burglary, assault of an elderly person, second-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Both are due in court on Feb. 26.

Pictured: Sandra Davis, 47, and James Cotton, 19 / West Hartford Police Department photo

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