Connecticut Lawmakers To Consider Bill To Make 'Knockout Game' Attacks A Felony

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Lawmakers in Connecticut are considering legislation that would increase criminal penalties for those convicted in so-called "knockout game" attacks.

A bill before the General Assembly's Public Safety Committee would make the sucker-punch attacks a Class D felony.

A Class D felony is punishable by one-to-five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

The knockout game is when assailants attempt to knock out random victims with a single punch and often video of the attack is posted online.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday. Lawmakers will hear testimony on the bill as well as other bills up for consideration.

In February, Stamford police arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with an attack that left a 63-year-old Stamford High School employee with several broken bones. Officials expressed concern that the incident was an example of the knockout game.

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