Three People Charged In Vandalism Incident In Southington

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

August 2, 2022

Three people – including a New Britain resident – have been charged in connection with a vandalism incident that caused more than $1,000 in damages to a local business.

Haylie Hackett, 18, of New Britain, Michael Lanzo, 19, of Waterbury, and John Jenkins, 20, of no certain address, each face charges after police viewed surveillance footage from an incident in the overnight hours of May 16, when the bathroom of Factory Square, at 168 Center St., was flooded, spreading to the lobby as well, according to police.

Police said one of the suspects could also be seen operating a scooter in the lobby, the bathroom hallway and on a display in the front entrance to the business.

Police said the owner of the property contacted officers on May 18 to report the vandalism, which caused an estimated $1,150 in damages.

According to police, investigators were able to identify all three suspects who were charged, spotting them on surveillance that showed them entering the business and repeatedly entering and exiting the bathroom that was flooded.

Police said Hackett told officers she arrived to Factory Square around 7 p.m., while Lanzo and Jenkins arrived around 1 a.m. She also told police that she had told Jenkins she had permission to be on the premises after hours, according to police. She denied any part in flooding the bathroom, saying the damages were mostly done by Lanzo, police said.

According to police, Jenkins also implicated Lanzo, saying he was the one who flooded the bathroom, drove a scooter in the business and broke a light.

Lanzo could not be reached for an interview during the investigation, according to police.

Hackett and Lanzo were arrested Monday on charges of second-degree criminal trespassing, conspiracy to commit second-degree trespassing, third-degree criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit third-degree criminal mischief. They were released without having to post bond and are expected to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Aug. 8.

Jenkins was charged Tuesday with the same offenses as his co-defendants. He is also free from custody and has the same court date as Hackett and Lanzo.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.