South Windsor Police Arrest Suspect in Autoshop Assaults

South Windsor police today arrested the suspect in an incident at a local auto shop that sent two local men to the hospital last week.

Nathaniel Chambers, 27, of Meriden, was arrested this afternoon at the Veterans Hospital in West Haven, where Chambers had gone seeking treatment for the flu, according to police.

"Once staff learned he was wanted on our arrest warrant, the VA police held him until he was medically released at 1 p.m. today," Sgt. Scott Custer said in an e-mail.

Chambers was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree and conspiracy to commit assault in the first degree.

He is being held on a $250,000 bond and will be presented at Manchester Superior Court on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

On Saturday evening, a vigil was held for the victims of the attack - Forced Induction Motorsports owner Robert Lareau, 28, of Enfield, and employee Ryan Kelleher, 21, of Windsor.

Both were allegedly beaten with blunt objects at Forced Induction Motorsports last Tuesday. Lareau sustained significant head injuries and was unconscious when emergency personnel arrived at the business located at 51 Edwin Road.

Kelleher, who was allegedly beaten with an unloaded rifle, also sustained injuries to his head and face. He has since been released from the hospital and he attended the vigil Saturday evening, though he declined to be interviewed by Patch.

The investigation is continuing as to the motive and other persons who were present, who were either potential suspects or witnesses.