Criminal Activity Closes Hamden Carnival

A carnival taking place at the Hamden Mart parking lot last weekend closed early because of criminal activity that took place in and around the area, according to police.

In all, five New Haven residents were arrested over the course of the evening Saturday, which led to the carnival shut down.

"Hamden Police elected to close the carnival approximately an hour early, due to the criminal activity in the area as well as the prevention of further incidents of unrest," said Hamden Police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith.

At about 8:20 p.m. Saturday, police responded to the carnival site, run by Tufano Amusements, on the report of a fight, according to Smith. 

Officers found two youth fistfighting, Smith said, and one of them had on them a pair of brass knuckles.

The two, both New Haven residents and one 16, the other 17, each was charged with breach of peace. The 16-year-old also was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon. He is due to appear in Juvenile  Court in New Haven on April 20.

The 17-year-old was released on a written promise to appear in Meriden Superior Court April 24.

About a half hour later, police got a report of another fight at the carnival, Smith said. 

"Investigation revealed that as a 17-year-old Hamden resident exited Taco Bell, two individuals assaulted him," Smith said. "The victim was punched and kicked repeatedly. Officers quickly arrested the two individuals who were responsible for the assault."

Those two 17 year-olds, also both New Haven residents, were both charged with second-degree breach of peace. Both were released on a written promise to appear in court April 24.

Then about 10 p.m. that night, Hamden Police were notified of a fare evasion on a Connecticut Transit Bus, Smith said.

"Upon arrival, officers asked the 19-year-old individual, who was identified as Bronte Brown, to exit the bus," Smith said. "Brown allegedly refused the officers request and subsequently pushed them. She was immediately arrested."

Brown, 19, of 97 Willis St., New Haven, was charged with breach of peace and interfering with a police officer. She was released on a written promise to appear in court April 27.