Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested After Shots Fired in New Haven

Police apprehended the suspect after a brief struggle and recovered a stolen handgun, drugs, and stolen wallets.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun's metal surface and trigger, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a dark background, conveying a sense of danger and investigation without depicting any actual violence.A recent wave of armed robberies in New Haven has exposed the city's ongoing struggle with gun violence and drug-related crimes.New Haven Today

Police in New Haven responded to a report of an armed robbery in a residential backyard, where the suspect fired two shots before fleeing on foot. A homeowner who witnessed the incident on surveillance camera went outside with his own legally registered firearm to confront the suspect, but did not return fire. Police later located and arrested the suspect, 47-year-old Earl Hobby, and recovered a stolen handgun, drugs, and the victims' stolen wallets.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks of armed robberies in residential neighborhoods and the potential for escalation when community members intervene. It also demonstrates the importance of police-community cooperation in quickly apprehending dangerous suspects.

The details

According to police, the victims reported being approached by the armed suspect in their backyard around 11:17 pm on Thursday. When another resident saw the incident on their home surveillance camera, they went outside with their own legally registered gun to confront the suspect, who then fired two shots before fleeing on foot. No one was struck by the gunfire. Police later received a tip that the suspect had been spotted at a local corner store, and they located and detained Earl Hobby, 47, of New Haven. A search of Hobby revealed a stolen handgun, a small amount of crack cocaine and ecstasy pills, as well as the victims' stolen wallets.

  • The incident occurred around 11:17 pm on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Police received a tip on Friday, April 11, 2026 that the suspect had been spotted at a local store.

The players

Earl Hobby

A 47-year-old New Haven resident who was arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to the armed robbery, including carrying a stolen firearm and illegal drug possession.

David Zannelli

The New Haven Police Chief, who praised the community cooperation and quick police response that led to the suspect's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“This case is another great example of the teamwork involved when community members assist us with information and our patrol officers and detectives work together to investigate a serious incident involving a firearm which led to a quick arrest. I am thankful no one was from the community was physically hurt during the robbery or when our officers were able to take a dangerous armed person into custody without incident.”

— David Zannelli, Police Chief

What’s next

Hobby is being held on a $250,000 bond and will face a judge to determine if he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence and property crime in urban neighborhoods, as well as the importance of strong police-community partnerships to quickly apprehend dangerous suspects and prevent further escalation of violence.