Hamden Police Charge New Haven Teen in Connection with Three Forcible Burglaries, Including Two Churches

Hamden police have arrested a New Haven teen for his involvement in three forcible burglaries that occurred in November of 2014, Police Capt. Ronald Smith said in a press release.

Jaquan Beal, 18, of 11 Foote Street in New Haven was arrested on a warrant Jan. 28 at Meriden Superior Court. He was charged with three counts of third-degree burglary, three counts of sixth-degree larceny and three counts of second-degree criminal mischief. He was arraigned on Jan. 28.

Smith said the first burglary occurred on Nov. 3. Investigation revealed that Beal forcibly entered the Hamden Plains Methodist Church, 15 Church Street, and stole an envelope containing several hundred dollars.

On Nov. 9, Hamden Police determined that Beal burglarized Blessed Sacrament Church, 321 Circular Avenue. Investigation revealed that he gained entry by breaking two stained-glass windows. Nothing was reported missing.

The third burglary occurred on Nov. 17. Investigation revealed that Beal illegally entered the Paier School of Art, located at 20 Gorham Avenue. Once inside, Beal participated in vandalizing the interior of the building, according to Smith.

Officers found broken windows throughout the school, as well as damaged vending and gumball machines. A fire extinguisher was removed and sprayed throughout the building. In addition, the numbers “666” and a “pentagram” were painted in several locations. School administration estimated the damage at nearly $2,000.

Detectives Scott Levenduski and Mark Consorte conducted the investigations, which led to the application of arrest warrants for Beal.