'Terrifying.' Investigation continues into Milford homeless encampment attacks as police identify suspects
The reported attacks and acts of harassment include throwing rocks and boulders, setting off fireworks, and spray-painting swastikas at the homeless encampment behind the Lowe's in Milford.
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The investigation continues into recent harassment and attacks reported at a Milford homeless encampment.
Milford police said they've identified three suspects in a string of incidents at the encampment behind the Lowe's on Old Gate Lane.
"They feel like they're being personally targeted because they're experiencing homelessness," explained Jennifer Paradis, executive director of the Beth-El Center, a nonprofit working to end homelessness.
Paradis told News 12 the group of three to five people living there had been on alert 24/7 since Sept. 29 after rocks and boulder were thrown at the encampment's structures.
"It is terrifying," Paradis said. "Verbal and physical attacks that escalated over the course of about 10 days."
According to police, that included fireworks tossed at the encampment and swastikas spray painted on a tree.
"We have reports that included folks who were masked on motorcycles physically attacking people in the encampment," Paradis stated.
Police said a nearby license plate reader helped them pinpoint one suspect, and investigative work, led them to two more. Evidence suggests there were at least five separate incidents that may or may not all be related to the identified suspects.
"Our Milford Police Department, we're just so grateful for their work over the past several days," Paradis told News 12.
Police have also stepped up patrols in the area and enhanced security near the encampment.
Mayor Richard Smith released a statement that said in part: "The City of Milford is outraged and appalled by this cruelty. Targeting people because they are vulnerable is cowardly, and a betrayal of everything our community stands for. It has no place in Milford, and it will not be tolerated."
Paradis said the Beth-El Center is grateful the city has publicly condemned the harassment and violence.
"There is an incredible amount of stress, daily stress that is endured by people who are unsheltered. It takes a lot just to survive," she stated. "They really just want the violence to stop. They want to be a part of the Milford community as a whole person, housed or unhoused."
Police said once their investigation is complete, they'll determine what charges may be appropriate and whether a hate crime was committed. A Hate Crimes notification has been filed with the Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Unit.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milford Police Department at 203-878-6551.
PRIOR COVERAGE: Milford police identify 3 suspects connected to homeless encampment attacks
