Police Chief 'Had Prior Issues' With All Suspects

WINSTED - Five men were arrested last Thursday by Winchester police officers after allegedly brutally attacking two men in separate attempted robberies in the early hours of the morning. While both men are recovering from their injuries, the town of Winsted is still shaken and many residents fear these attacks are just the beginning.

According to police, the five men - Taylor M. Dunbar, 19, of 240 Holabird Ave., Winsted; Christopher R. Layton, 23, of 55 Cherachet Road, Avon; Adam V. Salazar, 20, of 71 Upson Ave., Winsted; Garrett Murning, 19, of 55 Cherachet Road, Avon; and a 17-year-old Winsted resident, - are frequent offenders of the legal system.

"I think we have had prior issues with all of them, said Police Chief Nicholas Guerriero. "This is the most serious offense we have had with any of these people."

The first attempted robbery was right before midnight Wednesday. Five men reportedly attacked a man who was walking home from work on Main Street.

"A scuffle ensued and the suspects repeatedly punched and kicked the victim before fleeing without obtaining any money," stated a police press release.

Police said the five men allegedly attacked again an hour later, beating up a 49-year-old man walking near Highland Lake. The victim managed to escape his attackers, but not before suffering serious injuries to the face and head.

Police apprehended the five suspects within hours of the attacks and initially charged them with two counts each of second degree robbery, second degree assault and breach of peace. Bond was set at $50,000 each as well.

However, after appearing before the judge at Bantam Superior Court Friday, charges against all five men were increased to first degree assault, first degree robbery and breach of peace. Bonds were also increased to $200,000, according to Chief Guerriero.

Initial reports of the incident mentioned that one of the victims had been threatened with a gun and knife; however, police were unable to recover a weapon from either the scene or vehicle. Weapons charges were not brought against any of the five attackers.

Until bond is posted, the accused will be held at the New Haven detention center on Whalley Avenue. The juvenile offender will be held at Hartford Juvenile Detention.