Not everyone who has been accused of a violent crime is a habitual offender. Some Stamford residents who are facing violent crime charges may not have had any previous convictions. In the heat of the moment, when someone is angry or upset, it can be all too easy to lose control and make threats or lash out in violence. Even if the intended target escapes injury, the other person can end up facing assault charges.
It is unknown whether a man from East Haven had a previous criminal record when he was arrested in March for allegedly attacking his brother. According to authorities, the 27-year-old man got in an argument with his brother and kicked, choked and punched him, then tried to stab him with a hunting knife. The other brother was said to have fallen down the stairs during the fight. Afterwards, the defendant ran from the house with a firearm. Police arrived to search for the man, keeping residents inside their homes during the search.
The alleged attacker was later found and arrested on charges that were not stated. His brother received treatment at a hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.
The relationship these brothers had leading up to the fight was not known. However, it is possible for friends or family members who were otherwise close to get into arguments that lead to unforeseen and unintended acts of violence. The penalties for violent crimes in Connecticut are severe, and a criminal conviction can lead to fines or a prison sentence. People who are facing such charges have the right to have their side heard in court.
Source: WFSB, “East Haven police arrest man accused of assaulting brother,” Rachel Rooney, March 30, 2015
