New Britain, Connecticut, police have identified the man accused of raping and robbing an 18-year-old woman earlier this month and are asking for the public's help in tracking him down.
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.
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.
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.
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Police are still searching for him. They are asking for the public’s help, but warn that he is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
Ponder is 5-foot-7, weighs around 180 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes, police said.
Hartford police are 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."
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call New Britain police at 860-826-3000.
You can leave anonymous tips on the Community Tip Line at 860-826-3199 or on the New Britain police Web site.
Hartford police can be reached at 860-757-4089.
