Wayland Woman Arrested in Connection to Conn. Burglary Attempt

A Wayland woman is facing charges after police in Connecticut say she tried to help a man escape after his attempt to burglarize the former Norwich Hospital property in Norwich, Conn.

On April 24, police arrested Jennifer Coppell, 33, of Dudley Road, charging her with interfering with an officer. Police also arrested Joseph Donnell, 32, of Framingham, charging him with fourth-degree larceny, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trespassing, possession of burglary tools and interfering with an officer, according to TheDay.com.

TheDay.com reports that the burglary attempt occurred at about 6 a.m. Wednesday. Donnell reportedly fled the scene of the attempted burglary on foot, but was tracked by a K-9 unit. He was taken into custody at about 9:30 a.m. after a short struggle.

Police stopped a car driven by Coppell a short distance from the hospital. According to TheDay.com, she had been identified at the scene and police believed she was trying to help Donnell escape. Police credit concerned citizens with providing assistance.

Police recovered about 500 pounds of scrap metal and copper as well as "burglary tools, cutting instruments and lighting devices," according to reports.

Coppell and Donnell were scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court.