Hotel Guest Sexually Assaults Maid: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — A 22-year-old man is accused of sexually assaulting a maid at the Best Western Hotel in West Haven on Monday afternoon.

West Haven Police responded to the hotel, located at 490 Sawmill Road, at about 12:08 p.m. on the report of an assault.

A hotel employee told responding officers that she was assaulted by a patron in the room he was staying in.

The suspect had called for the maid to clean the room and as she began cleaning, he is accused of coming up from behind her and grabbing her breasts, according to police.

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Police said a struggle ensued and the suspect was continually groping and grabbing the woman.

The victim was also strangled by the suspect, who put his hands around her neck and over her mouth attempting to quiet her screams, according to police.

The victim was able to break free from the suspect and ran from the room. Responding officers found the suspect in his room and he was positively identified by the victim, according to police.

Police said the victim was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Paul Stephen Lake, with a last known address of Edgewood Avenue in New Haven, was arrested on charges of unlawful restraint, third-degree sexual assault, strangulation, third-degree assault and disorderly conduct. He is being held on bond, according to police.

Pictured: Paul Stephen Lake, 22, of New Haven / West Haven Police Department