Man charged with assaulting, robbing juvenile in Gales Ferry

John Penney, The Day, New London, Conn.
Updated ·1 min read
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Jan. 6—A man accused of assaulting and robbing a juvenile outside a Gales Ferry store on Saturday was arrested with the aid of residents, police said.

At approximately 3:21 p.m., Ledyard police were dispatched to the Ocean State Job Lot store, at 1666 Route 12, after receiving multiple reports of a "strong-arm" robbery.

Police said the suspect, Lester J. Harris, of no certain address, allegedly walked up to a juvenile outside the store, "sucker" punched him in the face and stole the victim's wallet and cellphone.

Police said Harris fled toward the area of Norman and Nugget Hill drives where Groton Town and state police aided in the search with a police K-9.

Residents assisted police by providing eyewitness accounts and RING camera footage, a news release stated.

Police said Harris was located at approximately 4:53 p.m. behind a Nugget Hill Drive residence and was apprehended after a brief foot chase.

Police said the victim suffered a minor injury and was not transported for treatment.

Harris was charged with third-degree robbery, fifth-degree larceny, third-degree assault, risk of injury, interfering with officers and breach of peace. He was held on a $500,000 bond and is due to be arraigned at New London Superior Court on Monday.