The New Britain man accused of going on a violent rampage at a Dunkin’ Donuts was arraigned in New Britain Superior Court on Thursday and is being held on a $200,000 bond.
Wilfred Levine, 63, is accused of using his ax to smash the windows and equipment at the Dunkin’ Donuts on East Main St., in New Britain on Thursday afternoon.
“He jumped over the counter with a full-size ax. He proceeded to destroy the inside of the store and then he started attacking the outside windows,” Sgt. Jeanette Saccente, of the New Britain Police Department, said.
Police said Levine was loitering and became furious when store employees told him to leave.
“There was an exchange of words. The gentleman left upset [and] returned with an ax, looking for the employees who had initially asked him to leave,” Saccente said.
While Levine was destroying windows and other equipment, store employees were forced to hide in the bathroom to protect themselves, police said, and no one was hurt.
“The employees did the right thing. They immediately saw the threat and hid behind a closed door. They called police immediately and didn’t come out until everything was all set,” Saccente said.
When police arrived, they saw Levine outside with the ax, approached him at gunpoint and ordered him to put down the ax, but he refused, Saccente said.
Police said they used a stun gun to subdue Levine and he was arrested at the scene.
Levine now faces attempted assault and reckless endangerment charges.
He has no criminal record. A relative of his told NBC Connecticut is battling mental health issues.
Photo Credit: Stephanie O'Connell, NBC Connecticut