Hamden Man Charged in Brick Assault

A Hamden man was arrested Friday on a warrant charging that he struck a man with a brick and stole money from his wallet while he was painting a house on Fairview Avenue last May.

Police got a report of an assault victim who was brought to the Hospital of St. Raphael last May 29, 2012, according to Hamden Police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith.

When officers got to the hospital, they spoke with the 53-year-old New Haven man, who told them he was painting the house when he was approached by a woman asking for money, Smith said.

Immediately after that, a man approached him and struck him with what he believed was a brick, Smith said. He suffered facial injuries from the attack, Smith said.

The man also took money from the victim's wallet, Smith said.

Detective Angelo Polzella investigated the incident and submitted an arrest warrant application for Brandon McNeal, 29, of 91 Second St., Hamden. 

On Friday, Hamden Police learned that McNeal was at a Goodrich Street residence, Smith said. Officers Mark Katz and Robert O’Neill responded and found McNeal, who was hiding in the basement, Smith said. 

McNeal was charged with second-degree assault and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. He was held in lieu of $75,000 bond and was arraigned Monday in Meriden Superior Court.