The man New Britain, Conn. police said is suspected of raping and robbing an 18-year-old woman earlier this month is in Hartford Police custody.
Antonio Ponder, 24, of Hartford, is suspected of attacking the woman while she walked down West Main Street near Grove Hill Street around 10 p.m. Sept. 6.
He and a female are in custody of the Hartford Police Major Crimes Unit. Both will be charged in Hartford and New Britain, according to Hartford police.
Ponder is a convicted felon with strong ties to Hartford and New Britain, according to police.
Police said the victim was badly beaten and believe the attack was random.
Family members of said she was on her way home from a friend's house and – at 4 feet 10 inches tall and 85 pounds – had no way of defending herself.
Authorities were called to investigate after the victim arrived at the Hospital of Central Connecticut's New Britain Campus seeking medical attention late that night, according to police.
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Investigators identified Ponder as the suspect on Sunday and obtained an arrest warrant charging him with first-degree sexual assault, third-degree robbery and third-degree assault.
Police have been searching for him and said on Wednesday that he is in custody.
Hartford police have been working with New Britain police and said they have reason to believe he is in the Hartford area.
Meanwhile, residents are questioning the safety of their neighborhoods.
"It's scary," said Maria Rios, who lives in the area and frequently walks alone. "I'm going to be looking over my shoulder now every time I walk out my door."
