Police: New London man beaten with stick, lumber
New London — Two men remain in custody after they allegedly beat another man with a stick and a piece of lumber last week because they thought he had stolen $70.
According to an arrest report, police about 4 p.m. July 18 found the victim in the vicinity of 80 Maple Ave. with abrasions and lacerations all over his body. The victim also had large contusions on his left eye and left shin and said his leg was going numb.
After he was transported to the hospital, the affidavit states, the victim told police two men were responsible for the beating, which occurred inside 80 Maple Ave. He said one of the men was named Ralph Zahn and the other he knew only as "Mike."
According to the report, the victim told police "Mike" hit him all over his body with a stick that was similar to a broom handle. Then, as he was on the ground, Zahn allegedly grabbed him by the neck and held him down to the ground until he felt like he was going to pass out.
"Mike" continued to attack the victim with the stick and then a piece of lumber, which Zahn beat him with as well, according to the affidavit.
Ralph Zahn, 47, of 80 Maple Ave., was charged with second-degree assault, first-degree unlawful restraint and first-degree strangulation, all of which are felonies.
"Mike," later identified as William M. Thomas, 63, of 20 Colman St., Apt. 4, was charged with second-degree assault and second-degree threatening.
Records show Thomas in May 2014 was sentenced to a total of 32 months in jail after being convicted of second-degree assault and third-degree assault in two separate cases.
Both men were held on $35,000 bonds and have upcoming court dates in August.
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