Southington PD: Accused Burglar Spent Christmas Taking, Not Giving

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local police said Tuesday morning they have in custody a Thomaston man believed to have been behind a series of burglaries at multiple Southington businesses Christmas Day.

According to the Southington Police Department, Scott Rhault, 43, of Main Street, Thomaston, was charged with: two counts of third-degree burglary; two counts of second-degree criminal mischief; three counts of possession of burglary tools; two counts of second-degree criminal trespassing; and six counts of criminal attempt to commit third-degree burglary.

Rhault was being held on $50,000 cash/surety bond and was scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Tuesday.

Police said, on Sunday, Dec. 25, officers were called regarding several commercial burglaries in town.

According to police, the first alarm was received at 10:28 p.m. for Wine Works, located on West Street as officers discovered forced entry of the business.

Video obtained from Wine Works showed a male suspect wearing all black clothing, according to police.

Then, police said, a second alarm was received at 11:06 p.m. at Silver City Vapors, located on Queen Street.

There, police said, officers also discovered forced entry to the front entry door.

Video obtained from that location also showed a male suspect wearing all black clothing, similar to the suspect as the Wine Works burglary.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., police said an officer on patrol observed a male matching the description of the suspect approach a strip mall on Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, on foot.

Police said the suspect began pulling on door handles at several businesses there.

According to police, the male, subsequently identified as Rhault, attempted to flee the area as officers approached.

Officers were able to intercept Rhault and took him into custody without incident.

During their investigation, police said officers found Rhault to be wearing clothing, operating a vehicle and was in possession of burglar tools, along with other items linking him to all three incidents that occurred during the evening.

For the Southington Police Department Facebook page, click on this link.