Man charged with home invasion, assault at Stratford motel

BRIDGEPORT – A Hartford man, free on bond on assault and drug charges, was in custody Monday, July 26 after police said he broke into a Stratford motel and assaulted a woman at gunpoint.

Keith Rucker, 38, was charged with home invasion, first-degree assault, thirddegree assault and seconddegree threatening.

Rucker, during his arraignment Monday afternoon, declared his innocence.

“These are all false allegations, I’m a struggling addict,” Rucker said.

However, Assistant State’s Attorney Felicia Valentino urged the judge to set a high bond because of the seriousness of the allegations.

Superior Court Judge Ndidi Moses agreed and ordered Rucker held in lieu of $350,000 bond. She continued the case to Aug. 18.

According to Stratford police, shortly before 2:30 a.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the Honeyspot Motor Lodge for an assault.

Police said when officers got there, they found a woman who was bleeding from the nose and had bruising on her face. Police said the woman told them that shortly after 2 a.m. she heard a knock on her room door and when she looked through the peep hole, she saw Rucker standing there.

The woman ran to the bathroom as Rucker forced his way into the room, police said. He then began beating the woman, first with a handgun and then with his fists, police said. Police said the woman told them Rucker fled as she began screaming.

Police said they initially got information that Rucker had driven off in a tan sedan but a short time later officers spotted Rucker entering the lobby of the motel. Police said he was arrested without incident.

Police said Rucker was carrying a knife but did not have a gun on him.

According to court records, Rucker is awaiting trial in Stamford and Bridgeport on assault and drug charges.