Woman Punched In Face, Suspect Takes Purse After Displaying Handgun: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — Police said on Saturday that they have made an arrest in a May robbery incident.

At 5 a.m. on May 18, police responded to a home on Prindle Hill Road for a reported robbery.

The female victim told officers that she had just been dropped off at her home by a rideshare service when she was confronted in her front yard by a male wearing a ski mask, police said.

"The suspect allegedly punched the victim in the face, knocking her to the ground," police said in a news release. "A struggle ensued as the suspect attempted to forcefully take her purse. During the altercation, the suspect brandished a handgun and held it to the victim’s stomach. The victim relinquished her purse, and the suspect fled the scene."

West Haven Detectives responded and assumed control of the investigation. Within weeks, they identified Desmond Hamilton, 25, of Ansonia as the primary suspect, police said in a news release.

An arrest and search warrant was obtained and executed with the assistance of the West Haven Street Crime Unit, West Haven Special Response Team, and the Ansonia Police Department. Hamilton was taken into custody without incident, police said.

During the search of his residence, several items of evidentiary value were located and seized, police said.

Hamilton was formally charged with the following:
• Robbery in the 1st Degree (with a firearm)
• Larceny in the 2nd Degree (by force)

Hamilton was held on bond and appeared in Milford Superior Court.