Meriden Police Arrest 2 Suspects on Burglary Charges

MERIDEN, CT — A pair of burglary suspects were arrested by Meriden police early Tuesday following a foot chase near Colony Street.

Additional officers were patrolling the area around 24 Colony St. Tuesday due to recent burglaries that had been reported there, police said.

"Officer Maikranz was conducting surveillance when he observed two males trespassing on the property," police wrote in a statement about the 1:22 a.m. incident. "The males did not stop when ordered, and Officer Maikranz gave chase. The suspects had a considerable lead and were able to temporarily evade apprehension. A perimeter was quickly set up by a majority of the shift. Containment was set up so fast that the suspects had no choice but to hide within the immediate area."

Officers then conducted a sweep of the building, while maintaining a presence around the perimeter. "During this time, while Officer Griffin was on the perimeter, he heard noises coming from a building on the northwest corner within the perimeter. Officer Griffin was able to locate two suspects that were hiding on a fire escape and the apprehension was made."

Arrested were Robert Rodriguez, 31, and James Scozzari, 30. They were charged with third-degree Criminal Attempt to Commit Burglary; first-degree Criminal Trespass; and Interfering with Police. Both were each held in lieu of $15,000 bonds; their court dates were not immediately available.

"This was excellent police work conducted by the majority of the overnight shift, especially Officer Maikranz, Officer Griffin and Sergeant Boothroyd," police wrote. "Congratulations to all the officers involved who were able to make arrests at a location that has been plagued with recent burglaries."

Photo: Robert Rodriguez, left, and James Scozzari. Photo credit: Meriden Police Department