A man suspected of raping and robbing an 18-year-old woman in New Britain earlier this month was taken into police custody on Wednesday and appeared in court today.
Antonio Ponder, 24, of Edwards Street in Hartford, a convicted felon, is suspected of attacking the woman while she walked down West Main Street near Grove Hill Street around 10 p.m. Sept. 6.
New Britain police said they saw Ponder on Wednesday and tried to stop him, but he sped off, then ran. He was taken into custody in Hartford after a chase, police said. Jazzilyn Yopp, 19, was also taken into custody, according to Hartford police.
Police said the victim was badly beaten and believe the attack was random.
Family members 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.
According to court documents, Ponder struck the victim on the back of the head, puller her sweatshirt over her face and dragged her off the road and into the woods.
The victim told police he punched her in the face several times, demanded her debit card and PIN number, then raped her and kicked her in the ribs, according to the documents.
He took off with the teen's cellphone and purse – which contained her school ID card, social security card, debit card, insurance card, keys and $120 cash – and left her lying there, the affidavit says.
Court documents say the victim arrived home bleeding and partially clothed. She had cuts no her right eye, large bruises on her face and scratches over her arms and back.
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Authorities were called to investigate after the victim's parents brought her to the Hospital of Central Connecticut's New Britain Campus seeking medical attention late that night, according to police.
Police returned to the scene and found some of the victim's clothing and a bag she was carrying at the time, the affidavit says.
Investigators identified Ponder as the suspect on Sunday after test results revealed his DNA on the suspect, according to the documents. His image was captured on surveillance video from a bank not far from the crime scene.
Authorities obtained an arrest warrant charging him with first-degree sexual assault, third-degree robbery and third-degree assault. Police said he's been charged with sex assault and robbery in the past.
Ponder was additionally charged with third-degree larceny, possession of narcotics and operating under suspension.
He was taken into custody Wednesday and held on $750,000 bond. He appeared in court Sept. 18 and is due back Oct. 3. Ponder has been assigned a public defender, according to the court.
Yopp was charged with assault on police, second-degree breach of peace, interfering with police, second-degree larceny, carrying a dangerous weapon and hindering prosecution.
Her role in the incident is unclear.
