Dunkin’ Donuts Burglar Flees In Stolen Vehicle, Later Found Hiding Under Deck: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A New Haven man is accused of burglarizing a Dunkin’ Donuts in Hamden while operating a stolen vehicle, fleeing from police, striking a parked vehicle, then engaging an officer in a foot pursuit before finally being found hiding underneath a backyard deck, according to police. The wild scene unfolded at about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, when Hamden Police responded to the Dunkin’ Donuts located at 938 Dixwell Avenue on the report of a burglary.

Investigation revealed that the drive-thru window had been forced open and two cash register drawers, which contained an undisclosed amount of money, were taken, according to Capt. Ronald Smith. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Smith said a concerned citizen provided police with a description of a motor vehicle that fled from the area at a high rate of speed. Moments later, Sgt. Eric Goclowski located the vehicle, which was stolen earlier out of Seymour, traveling on Prospect Street.

A motor vehicle stop was subsequently conducted on Whitney Avenue, according to Smith.

Smith said that as Goclowski approached the operator of the stolen vehicle, Hector Otero, he fled southbound on Whitney Avenue. Otero committed numerous motor vehicle violations before striking a parked vehicle on Exchange Street in New Haven, according to Smith.

Smith said Otero quickly emerged from the vehicle and engaged Goclowski in a foot pursuit. Moments later, Goclowski located Otero hiding underneath a backyard deck, Smith said. Otero was arrested and transported to police headquarters.

A subsequent search of the stolen vehicle led to the discovery of the two stolen cash register drawers, according to Smith.

Otero, 41, of Third Street in New Haven, was arrested on charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree larceny, possession of burglar tools, interfering with a police officer, reckless driving, engaging an officer in pursuit, evading responsibility and operating without a license.

Otero was detained on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Wednesday.

Pictured: Hector Otero, 41, of New Haven / Hamden Police Department