Riot Leave Hamden Cops Injured, SCSU Students Arrested

An early morning gathering of Southern Connecticut State University students deteriorated into a riot early Thursday morning that ended up injuring several Hamden police officers and led to the arrests of three of the students.

At about 1:30 am. Thursday police got a report of a large group gathering at 190 Pine Rock Ave., according to police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith. 

On November 1st at approximately 1:30a.m. Hamden Police responded to the report of a large gathering at 190 Pine Rock Ave., just down the road from whereearlier in the evening a stabbing had occurred.

When officers got there, an on-duty private security officer told them that a large group of intoxicated SCSU students were in the courtyard, Smith said. Officers saw about 500 people there, and when they approached them, they began swearing at the officers and fighting them, Smith said, which led to the riot.

One altercation allegedly involved Ivan Santiago, 20, of 114 Farnham Drive, Apt. 308, New Haven, Smith said, and when a police Sergeant was trying to arrest him, Santiago allegedly punched the officer in the face, fracturing his nose. 

Santiago was charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Inciting a Riot, Interfering With a Police Officer and Breach of Peace. He was held in lieu of $50,000 bond, was transported to Meriden Superior Court today.

The Sergeant was transported to the Hospital of Saint Raphael, Smith said. 

Another Hamden Police Sergeant saw someone being beaten "while lying defenseless on the ground," Smith said.

"While [the sergeant] struggled with the person responsible, Evan Marlow, he sustained an arm injury," Smith said.

Marlow, 23, of 207 Santa Fe Avenue, Hamden, was charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Inciting a Riot, Assault in the 3rd Degree, Interfering With a Police Officer and Breach of Peace. He was held in lieu of $50,000 bond and was transported to Meriden Superior Court today.

The Sergeant also was treated at the Hospital of Saint Raphael.

Victor Moreno, 22, of 15 Botsford Street, Meriden, allegedly was swinging a golf club at two officers and was arrested, Smith said, and after he was handcuffed he escaped but was captured a short time later at his fraternity house.

Moreno was charged with Attempted Assault on a Police Officer, Interfering With a Police Officer, Inciting a Riot, Escape From Custody and Breach of Peace. He was held in lieu of $50,000 bond and was transported to Meriden Superior Court today.

"Throughout the incident, officers reported that bottles were thrown at them," Smith said. A total of 4 officers were injured in the incident.

New Haven and Southern Connecticut State University police departments assisted Hamden police, Smith said.