New Haven Officer Charged in Alleged Assault

New Haven Officer Evan Kelly, 47, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault over his use of force during an October 2025 arrest at Elm City Social. The arrest warrant says Kelly struck the handcuffed woman in the head while trying to place her in his cruiser; Kelly said she was reaching for items on his duty belt. New Haven police determined that his actions violated department policy and were excessive, and placed him on administrative leave. The department’s internal investigation, paused during the state’s criminal investigation, will resume, with disciplinary action to follow; Kelly was released on a promise to appear in court.