Hamden Police - News Release
DATE: 2/7/2023
CONTACT: Sgt. Angela Vey-Public Information Officer
PHONE: 203-230-3767
PIO #: 23-006
On February 4th, 2023 at approximately 3:15pm, Hamden Police responded to the area of Whitney Avenue and Todd Street for a report of a one car motor vehicle accident. The caller stated that the operator of the vehicle was last seen fleeing the scene on foot, West on Todd Street.
Officer Joseph Venditto arrived on scene and observed a Ford Fusion which had crashed into a United Illuminating utility pole, causing significant damage. Officer Venditto checked the area of Todd Street for the operator of the vehicle, and located a 17 year old male matching the description given by witnesses. While Officer Venditto was speaking with the suspect, he turned from him and begin running East on Todd Street.
Officer Venditto was running after the suspect and observed him throw a firearm on to the front yard of a home on Todd Street. During the foot pursuit, Officer Venditto fell, causing serious injury to his right arm.
Despite his injury, Officer Venditto was able to apprehend the suspect a short time later, taking him into custody. Officer Joseph Mortali located the loaded 9mm handgun that the suspect discarded on Todd Street, as well as a high capacity magazine that was also loaded.
The 17 year old juvenile out of Hamden was charged with Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of a High Capacity Magazine, Interfering with a Police Officer, Evading Responsibility and Operating Without a License. Juvenile was remanded to custody and transported to Bridgeport Juvenile Detention.