Hamden Police: Suspect Broke into Friend's House, Stole Safe

Hamden police say a New Haven man broke into a friend’s house and removed a safe while the homeowner’s 10-year-old son hid in an upstairs bedroom as the burglary was occurring.

Police responded to the Belmont Street residence on Wednesday on the report of a forcible burglary.

Investigation revealed that an individual forced entry through a rear door and once inside, he removed a safe that contained a substantial amount of money and jewelry, Capt. Ronald Smith said in a press release.

With the assistance of several residents and passing motorists, officers successfully arrested Derrick Hoover, who was a friend of the homeowner, according to Smith.

Hoover was found in the possession of a large sum of money and two pieces of jewelry were located in the vicinity of the burglary.

Hoover, 31, of 285 Read Street in New Haven, was arrested on charges of second-degree burglary, sixth-degree larceny and interfering with a police officer. Hoover, who was detained on a $25,000 bond, was scheduled to appear in court in Meriden on May 28.

In addition, Hoover was arrested on the strength of three re-arrest warrants, with bonds totaling $200,000.

Detective Joseph Liguori conducted the investigation.