New Haven Officer Charged With Assault

A New Haven police officer faces a third-degree assault charge following a state police investigation.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Law Enforcement

The Connecticut State Police have charged New Haven police officer Evan Kelly with third-degree assault. The charge stems from a use-of-force incident that occurred during an arrest at a city bar last year.

Why it matters

The charge follows a lengthy investigation into the officer's conduct during an arrest. The case highlights the oversight process involving state authorities investigating local law enforcement actions.

Officer Evan Kelly is charged with one count of third-degree assault following a nearly year-long investigation by the Connecticut State Police. The officer was previously placed on administrative leave in January 2026.

The players

Evan Kelly

He is a New Haven police officer who was placed on administrative leave following a use-of-force investigation.

Connecticut State Police

This state-level law enforcement agency conducted the investigation into the conduct of the local New Haven officer.

The details

The charges were filed after Connecticut State Police concluded a review of a use-of-force incident involving a woman at a local bar. Officer Kelly had been on administrative leave since early 2026 while investigators examined the arrest.

The use-of-force incident occurred at a city bar in October 2025.
Officer Evan Kelly was placed on administrative leave in January 2026.
Officer Evan Kelly was officially charged with assault on October 15, 2026.

Legal Context

This case reflects the increasing trend of state-level intervention in local police use-of-force matters. Such investigations are becoming more common as departments adapt to enhanced public oversight requirements.

The involvement of state police in this local matter signals a rigorous approach to departmental accountability. Residents can expect continued scrutiny of interactions between city officers and the public during arrests.

The takeaway

This case underscores the role of independent investigations in maintaining police accountability. Maintaining public trust remains a central challenge for local law enforcement agencies navigating use-of-force allegations.