Juvenile Accused Of Breaking Into Building To Record Videos In Southington: Police

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local police said Tuesday that a juvenile male was charged after breaking into a commercial building on Spring Street, setting off the burglar alarms.

According to the Southington Police Department, the teen may have been trying to film videos to go up on social media.

"The Southington Police Department reminds the public that entering commercial or private properties without authorization — even for exploration or social media content — is illegal and dangerous," wrote the SPD in a release Tuesday afternoon.

"Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately by contacting police."

Southington PD Capt. Nathan Boislard said police did not identify the specific site so as not to encourage any future activity there.

"At this point in the investigation, it does not appear that any property was actually stolen from within," Boislard said.

According to police, officers on Sunday, Jan. 11, responded to a commercial burglary alarm at a business located in the area of Spring Street during the "early morning hours."

Upon arrival, officers observed damage consistent with forced entry and discovered an unsecured door, police said.

A check of the interior of the building, however, revealed no individuals inside at that time, according to the SPD.

During the course of the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage that showed two individuals attempting to forcibly gain entry into the building and later entering, police said.

"The footage depicted one individual using a tool to pry at doors and windows while the second individual recorded video of the activity," wrote the SPD.

Later that same morning, officers responded to a second alarm activation at the same location.

Police said, upon arrival, officers observed indications of unauthorized entry and heard an audible alarm inside the building.

"During a coordinated search of the area, a juvenile matching the description of one of the earlier suspects was observed fleeing the scene and was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit," wrote the SPD.

It was determined that the juvenile was involved in both incidents.

Officers recovered evidence related to the burglaries, including burglary tools and electronic recording devices, police said.

As a result of the investigation, the juvenile was charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools, and interfering with police.

Police said the juvenile was issued summonses and is scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court.

Due to the individual’s age, no identifying information will be released, and the investigation remains ongoing.