Hamden Police - News Release
DATE: 10/13/22
CONTACT: Sean J. Dolan – Public Information Officer
PHONE: 203-230-4065
PIO #: 22-097
On July 22, 2022 at approximately 4:00 PM, Hamden Police Officers responded to the Gulf Express gas station, 144 Arch Street, on reports of a shooting. The shooting victim, later identified as 28-year-old Anthony Coppage, was inside his car in the parking lot. He was approached by two suspects who attempted to rob him during an apparent drug transaction.
One of the suspects shot Coppage during the robbery. He suffered gunshot wounds to his leg causing serious injuries. Coppage has a CT pistol permit and was armed. He returned fire at the suspects as they were running away in the gas station parking lot with multiple bystanders nearby. The two robbery suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival.
Detective Gabe Garcia, along with Detectives from the Hamden Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, HPD Crime Scene Unit and New Haven Shooting Task Force, conducted an extensive investigation into the shooting.
On October 12, 2022, Anthony Coppage of Hamden, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant related to the shooting investigation. He was charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment first degree. He was held on $150,000.00 court set bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on October 26, 2022.
Hamden police previously arrested one of the two suspected robbers (Samuel Tate, age 22 of New Haven) for his involvement in the shooting. Tate was charged with assault 1st degree, robbery 1st degree, conspiracy to commit robbery 1st degree, criminal possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment 1st degree. He was arrested on August 25, 2022 and held on a $500,000.00 bond.
The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing.
