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SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Southington Police arrest a Springfield, Mass. man and a teenager as they search for two more suspects in connection with a burglary at a residence in Southington.
A homeowner on Pratt Street reported seeing lights flashing in his basement before he went to break-up the burglary in process.
A man fled out the back door. While officers were looking for a suspect vehicle, a parked vehicle with Massachusetts plates was parked on a nearby street. It fled as officers approached.
Cheshire Police detained Juan Escalera, 24, of Springfield, after he was found walking near the Cheshire town line.
He initially reported he was kidnapped in Springfield (MA), held at gunpoint, and then forced to come to Southington.
During a subsequent interview, Escalera stated he made up the story about being kidnapped at gunpoint. The investigation concluded the males knew the homeowner from a previous interaction involving the sale of a vehicle at the address. They went with the intention to steal property from his home.
Escalera reported he pried open the rear door leading to the basement, while two other unidentified suspects made entry into the home.
Officers were additionally able to obtain information on the suspect vehicle, a 2005 Grey Honda CRV, registered to an address in Springfield, MA.
With the assistance of Springfield PD, the suspect vehicle was located and seized in that city. The vehicle owner reported her 16 year old son had been driving the vehicle.
Escalera was placed under arrest and charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, and second-degree criminal trespass.
He was detained on a $150,000 bond and appeared in the New Britain Court on February 16, 2023.
The juvenile operator of the vehicle came to Southington Police Department, where after being interviewed, he was issued a juvenile Summons for first-degree conspiracy to commit burglary and engaging in police pursuit. He is scheduled to appear at the New Britain Juvenile Court.
The case remains open while police work to identify the other two individuals, known only as “Jay” and “a chubby dude”.
