UPDATE: A Meriden man has been convicted of kidnapping, robbery, and strangulation following a violent sneaker sale gone wrong. 24-year-old Addison Clegg was found guilty by a New Britain Superior Court jury, as confirmed by the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.
During a Facebook Marketplace transaction, Clegg brutally attacked the victim, strangling him until he lost consciousness. In a shocking turn of events, another individual seized the victim’s legally registered 9mm firearm and vehicle, fleeing the scene with the unconscious victim. As the victim regained consciousness, he displayed remarkable courage, escaping from the moving vehicle on Cromwell Avenue in Rocky Hill, despite sustaining serious injuries, including a broken foot.
Court records detail the harrowing ordeal, emphasizing how the victim’s quick thinking ultimately saved his life. Judge Chris Pelosi has scheduled Clegg’s sentencing for March 25, where he faces significant prison time for his crimes.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney David Clifton stated, “The victim’s courage cannot be understated. But for his quick thinking under terrifying conditions, allowing him to escape from his abductors, who knows how this violent encounter would have ended?”
New Britain State’s Attorney Christian M. Watson commended the efforts of the Rocky Hill and Middletown police departments, particularly Detectives Patrick Lehane, Thomas Ganley, and Officer Brandon Caires, for their crucial investigative work. He also thanked members of Hartford Hospital for their talented medical intervention and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection-Division of Scientific Services for their professional analysis.
This case highlights the dangers associated with online transactions and serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence lurking in seemingly ordinary scenarios. As authorities continue to investigate, the community is left to reflect on the profound impact of such crimes on individuals and families.
Stay tuned for updates as Clegg’s sentencing approaches, and consider sharing this urgent news to raise awareness about safety in online marketplaces.
