Rhode Island Man Accused Of Strangulation Assault In Fairfield: CSP

FAIRFIELD, CT — A 28-year-old Providence, Rhode Island man was arrested on a warrant by Connecticut State Police this week in connection with a strangulation assault on Dec. 7 at the northbound I-95 rest area in Fairfield.

Ariel Dejesus Valdez, who state police said had overstayed a visa from the Dominican Republic, was charged with the following:

• Risk of Injury to a Child
• Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree (2 counts)
• Strangulation or Suffocation in the 2nd Degree
• Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree
• Larceny 3rd Degree
• Breach of Peace 2nd Degree

The incident began at about 6 p.m. when Valdez got into an argument with a person, strangling them and smashing a window in a truck that sent shards of glass that cut an infant inside.

Valdez then ran off.

Fairfield police were first called to the scene, and temporarily evacuated the rest area while searching for Valdez, but did not find him, according to state police.

Valdez was eventually found back in Rhode Island, and was taken into custody this week. He was turned over to Connecticut State Police on Monday.

Valdez was released after posting bond on bail of $30,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Jan. 23.