Man Faces 6 Felonies After Punching, Seriously Injuring Female Cop: PD

NEW HAVEN, CT — It was just after midnight Sunday when cops went to an address in Fair Haven for a report of a fight. When they got there, police spokesperson Christian Bruckhart said, they found a man, later identified as Wesley Gill, attacking a female. A crowd of people, including young children, were surrounding the two, with some attempting to pull Gill away, Bruckhart said.

"As officers also attempted to stop him, Gill abruptly punched a female officer, Officer Maribel Buccitti, in the face," Bruckhart said. Buccitti was hospitalized for 24 hours due to serious facial injuries, including a concussion, police said.

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. Bruckhart said all are "domestic violence charges."

Bruckhart pointed out that the "police department set a bond of $500,000 on Gill," but after a court appearance, his bond was set at $250,000. Gill was released without bond in December 2023 on charges including interfering with an officer and evading responsibility with injury/property damage, court records show.

"This incident shows the dangers our officers face on every call, with this domestic dispute resulting in serious injuries for the officer," Police Chief Karl Jacobson said. "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. I applaud Officer Buccitti and all the other officers of the New Haven Police Department for their courage and dedication."