UPDATE: A Meriden man has been convicted of kidnapping, robbery, and strangulation during a sneaker sale gone horribly wrong. On March 25, 2024, 24-year-old Addison Clegg faces sentencing after a jury at New Britain Superior Court found him guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree kidnapping and robbery.
The shocking incident unfolded during a transaction arranged via Facebook Marketplace, where Clegg attacked the victim, strangling him to the point of unconsciousness. According to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, this heinous act allowed an accomplice to steal the victim’s legally registered 9mm firearm and vehicle, subsequently abducting the victim.
As the victim regained consciousness, he displayed remarkable bravery, managing to escape from the moving vehicle on Cromwell Avenue in Rocky Hill. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a broken foot, highlighting the violent nature of this crime.
Judge Chris Pelosi presided over the trial and is set to deliver Clegg’s sentence on March 25. Senior Assistant State’s Attorney David Clifton and Inspector Edward Apicella, who prosecuted the case, praised the victim’s quick thinking:
“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 expressed gratitude towards local law enforcement, thanking the Rocky Hill and Middletown police departments, particularly Detectives Patrick Lehane, Thomas Ganley, and Officer Brandon Caires, for their thorough investigative efforts. He also acknowledged the skilled medical team at Hartford Hospital and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for their critical support.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from seemingly innocuous transactions. Authorities urge caution for anyone engaging in online sales, particularly in person. As the situation develops, the community is left to reflect on the serious implications of this violent crime and the resilience of its victims.
