Magazine solicitor arrested for assault

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- West Haven police are warning residents after a magazine solicitor assaulted a resident who refused to allow him inside his house.

Truman Tart, 24, was arrested Thursday night after police say he assaulted a man who wouldn't let him into his home on Pheasant Road.

The resident told officers that around 8 p.m. two magazine solicitors knocked on his door and asked to be let inside, out of the rain. When the man refused, Tart punched him in the face and the pair ran away.

Police caught up with them a short time later and Tart was arrested. He was charged with assault and breach of peace.

Police say he has an extensive criminal history with numerous felony arrests around the country.

West Haven police say there is an ordinance prohibiting solicitors from selling unless they have a permit from the police department. Police say Tart would not have been permitted to solicit in residential neighborhoods due to his criminal history.

Police say this is not the first time a person with an extensive criminal background has tried to solicit items in town.

Residents are being urged to call police if they are approached by solicitors who do not have the proper permits.