Farmington Burglary Suspect Caught After Brief Chase

FARMINGTON, CT — A homeowner interrupted a burglary in progress Monday morning, leading to a brief chase and eventual arrest of a suspect by police.

Around 9:25 a.m., Farmington police responded to an active residential burglary at 24 West District Road. The victim had arrived at home, saw a suspicious vehicle in front of the home and called police. The victim saw the suspect exit and drive off in a vehicle, Lt. Patrick Buckley said.

Officers caught up to the suspect on Route 177, or Plainville Avenue, and he initially attempted to flee; however, he stopped near New Britain Avenue and was captured without incident, Buckley said.

Francisco Mendez, 32, of Waterbury, was in possession of items reported to be stolen from the residence during the burglary, according to police. He was charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespass, fourth-degree larceny, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree reckless endangerment, disobeying signal of an officer and engaging police in pursuit. Bond was set at $200,000, and he is scheduled to appear Tuesday in Hartford Superior Court.

No injuries resulted from the incident, Buckley said.

Anyone with information about Mendez or any other burglaries in the Farmington area is asked to call Farmington detectives at (860) 675-2400.

Photo courtesy of Farmington Police Department