Connecticut State Police charged New Haven Officer Evan Kelly with third-degree assault after investigating an October 18, 2025 arrest at Elm City Social, WFSB reported October 16, citing police and the arrest warrant.
The report says Kelly struck a handcuffed woman twice. Kelly said he perceived a threat involving his equipment; the woman disputed resisting or grabbing it. Investigators reviewed video, witness accounts and training records. WFSB reports that two department supervisors deemed the force excessive under department policy.
New Haven police told WFSB that their internal investigation, paused during the criminal inquiry, would resume. Any disciplinary outcome remains unresolved in the available account.
Kelly surrendered October 15 and was released on a promise to appear, with a November 3 court date, WFSB reported. The charge is an allegation, not a conviction. Eastern CT News read the report and official release but could not download the attached warrant; it has not independently reviewed that document.