Hamden Police K-9 Helps Sniff Out 5 Burglary Suspects

Hamden police led by K-9 “Hank” helped arrest four men and one youth who are accused of breaking into the Family Dollar Store, 1245 Dixwell Avenue, early Tuesday morning.

The Police Department’s K-9 led police to a closet in a nearby apartment where three of the suspects were hiding, while two others unsuccessfully attempted to flee.

Police Capt. Ronald Smith said in a release that the incident occurred at approximately 1:05 a.m.

Officers observed that the front glass door was shattered. Surveillance footage indicated that the front door was damaged with a pipe. Furthermore, that five individuals entered the store. Once inside, it appears that several of the individuals attempted to open a cigarette storage locker, but were unsuccessful, police said. They then quickly exited the store. It does not appear that anything was stolen.

Sergeant Michael Nawrocki and his K-9 partner “Hank” promptly conducted a track. The track led to the area of Circular Avenue and Gorham Avenue. Officers then observed five individuals enter 35 Gorham Avenue. Further investigation led to the search of 35 Gorham Avenue.

While searching the vacant third floor apartment, officers found Frank Pepe, Jaquan Beal and a 14 year-old Hamden resident hiding in a closet, police said.

A fourth individual, Desmond Howard was arrested while attempting to flee on foot. Amber Mugford, who resides at 35 Gorham Avenue, was also arrested. Several evidentiary items were seized from the residence.

Hamden Police arrested the following individuals:

• Frank Pepe, 19, of 2 Russell Street, Branford.
• Desmond Howard, 20, of 35 Gorham Avenue, Hamden.
• Jaquan Beal, 18, of 11 Foote Street, New Haven.
• Amber Mugford, 18, of 35 Gorham Avenue, Hamden.
• 14 year-old Hamden resident.

They were all charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, criminal mischief in the second-degree and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief in the second-degree. Pepe, Howard, Beal and Mugford were detained on a $5,000 bond. The juvenile was released to a relative.

Officer Andrew Pfeiffer conducted the investigation.