Cops: Man assaulted woman he met online on 1st date

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A West Hartford man was arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman he met online while on a first date.

Just before midnight Wednesday, police responded to the man's home, located at 1248 Farmington Ave., on a complaint of a physical assault that took place during a first date.

"And within their first meeting at his apartment, the victim told us she was sexually and physically assaulted there at the apartment," said Det. Sgt. Mike Perruccio, West Hartford PD. "Both their stories seem to mirror each other, and we ended up making an arrest on the gentleman"

Police say the man, Abhishek Shah, is a psychiatric resident who works at several local hospitals, including UConn Hospital.

The individuals met on PlentyofFish.com. While the website can't be held responsible for how the date ended, police say this is a warning about what can happen when you grow to trust someone you just met.

"We do caution people that when you are going to go out and meet someone new, whether it be in a bar or online, it might not always be the best idea to go back to someone's apartment right away unless you know them," said Det. Perruccio.

UConn Medical Center says Shah was a second-year resident, but has now been suspended.

Shah was charged with first-degree sexual assault, third-degree assault, unlawful restraint, and disorderly conduct.

Bond was set at $150,000.