A New Haven police officer was assaulted and suffered a concussion while arresting a man for allegedly assaulting a woman on Saturday.
Just after midnight on Saturday, officers responded to a home in the Fair Haven neighborhood for reports of a fight, the New Haven Police Department said.
When officers arrived, they saw a crowd of people — including young children — crowded around Wesley Gill, who was allegedly attacking a woman. Some of the people in the crowd were reportedly trying to pull Gill off of the victim, police said.
When officers tried to stop the man from continuing the attack, the man “abruptly punched a female officer” in the face, according to police.
Gill was taken into custody and charged with assault on a police officer, second-degree assault, three counts of risk of injury to a minor, third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace.
Officer Maribel Buccitti was hospitalized for 24 hours due to serious facial injuries and a concussion, police said.
“This incident shows the dangers our officers face on every call, with this domestic dispute resulting in serious injuries for the officer,” said New Haven Chief Karl Jacobson in a statement.
“The other officers on scene acted swiftly and professionally, with Gill being apprehended and taken into custody. As this incident shows, we are ready to respond any time of the day and night to anyone who needs help, even at the risk our own safety.”
Police set a bond of $500,000 and as of Monday, Gill was being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond, according to police.
Jacobson said in his statement that he applauded “Buccitti and all the other officers of the New Haven Police Department for their courage and dedication.”
