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STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Public Safety 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, Connecticut 06457 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UPDATE
02/17/06
STATE POLICE MAKE ARREST IN ASHFORD SEXUAL ASSAULT
On 02/06/06 at approximately 5:38 p.m. a female victim who had stopped on I-84 exit # 72 ramp to assist a disabled tractor-trailer was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by the driver of that truck. After the assault the suspect who then fled the scene tied the victim to a tree in the nearby wooded area.
State Police responded to the crime scene and obtained preliminary investigative information regarding the crime. A physical description of the suspect and a detailed description of the Tractor-trailer truck were obtained from witnesses. Eastern District Major Crime Detectives from Troop-C Tolland responded and initiated a criminal investigation with Troop-C patrol troopers. Several investigative techniques were utilized in this investigation. Technology and numerous hours of interviews enabled investigators to develop information on the accused in this case. In addition Troopers conducted a highway canvas of passing motorists that developed leads and additional witnesses in this investigation and also were able to identify the suspect tractor-trailer truck.
Connecticut State Police received great cooperation from the owners of the suspect tractor-trailer truck Southern Cal Transport of Birmingham Alabama and from the Birmingham Alabama Police. Their cooperation and assistance contributed to the success of this investigation.
The female victim in this case, who will remain unidentified, suffered a great deal in this criminal act. She has exhibited great courage with her ability to recall specific important detail. The victim’s cooperation with State Police Detectives has enabled them to keep this investigation moving forward.
As a result of extensive investigative efforts the State Police Detectives and patrol troopers submitted an application for an arrest warrant and two search and seizure warrants for the suspect in this case was submitted to Superior Court GA #11 Danielson. The court issued an arrest warrant for the accused and two search & seizure warrants in this case.
Today 02/17/06 at about 11:10 a.m. Connecticut State Police took the accused into custody at Rt. 372 & Industrial Park Rd in Cromwell Connecticut. Several State Police Detectives took the suspect into custody without incident. In addition Trooper also seized the tractor-trailer truck for additional investigation. The accused is being held on $1,000,000 bond and will appear in GA #11 Danielson on Tuesday 02/21/06.
ACCUSED: HOOKS, Thomas E. DOB: 11/10/55
1030 Cynthia Lane,Pensacola Florida
CHARGES: Kidnapping 1st
Aggravated Sexual Assault 1st
Assault 3rd
Unlawful Restraint
Criminal Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony
##END###Sgt. J. Paul Vance