Police: Meriden Man Used Knife In Sexual Assault of Southington Teen

A Meriden man is facing charges including first-degree sexual assault after police said he allegedly attempted to use a knife to force a local 16-year-old boy to have sex with him at a private residence earlier this year.

Lawrence J. Petrocelli III, 19, of 104 Wilcox Ave. in Meriden, was arraigned in Bristol Superior Court Tuesday on charges of criminal attempt first-degree sexual assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, two counts of second-degree breach of peace, intimidating a witness and tampering with a witness.

He remains in state custody in lieu of $155,000 in bonds, according to court records.

Police said in May, Petrocelli was at a home in Southington when he pulled a knife and used it in an attempt to sexually assault a 16-year-old. Police said he held the knife to the boy but fled when the attempt failed.

The location of the incident and the name of the boy have not been released.

Officers initiated an investigation after the incident was reported days later and learned that Petrocelli had also threatened to hurt a witness to the attempted assault said Sgt. Lowell DePalma.

The case has been sealed under court order and further information was not released by the on Wednesday.