Man Charged After Home Invasion, Domestic Dispute, and Gun Threat in New Haven Monday: NHPD

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 41-year-old Naugatuck man is facing multiple felony charges after he broke into a New Haven home Monday, threatened a pregnant woman with a handgun in front of children, and fled, police said. Raymond Smokes, of Naugatuck, was found at a residence in that town and arrested by the police department’s SWAT team.

According to New Haven police spokesperson Christian Bruckhart, officers were called to Yale New Haven Hospital shortly before 5 p.m. Monday after getting a report of a domestic violence incident that had occurred at a residence in the city about an hour earlier.

Investigators said the victim told officers that Smokes forced his way into the home through a basement door. Police said Smokes and the victim were previously in a relationship.

After entering the residence, Smokes allegedly confronted the victim in the main living area, where an argument turned physical. The altercation continued outside, where police say Smokes pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the victim's head, and threatened to kill her. Several children were present and witnessed the incident, according to investigators.

Police said Smokes fled the area after learning officers had been called. Detective Ismail Abdussabur of the NHPD's Special Victims Unit obtained a search warrant for a residence in Naugatuck where Smokes was believed to be staying.

With assistance from the department's SWAT team, Smokes was taken into custody without incident, police said.

Smokes was charged with home invasion, second-degree criminal attempt to commit assault, two counts of risk of injury to a child, criminal attempt to commit third-degree assault of a pregnant person, first-degree threatening, and three counts of second-degree breach of peace.

His bond was set at $500,000.

"This was an extremely dangerous situation," New Haven Police Chief David Zanelli said. "We are thankful that the suspect was quickly and safely taken into custody without incident with the help of our Special Victims Unit detectives and SWAT team."

The investigation remains ongoing.