Suspect Charged in Vernon Incident that Forced School Lockdown

VERNON, CT — A man has been charged for a September burglary at a local condominium complex that prompted a chase and subsequent school lockdown, Vernon police said.

Brandon Johnny, 25, of 15 Smith Drive, East Hasrtford, has been charged with third-degree burglary, possessing burglary tools and interfering in one set, an added charge of second-degree larceny in a second set and fourth-degree larceny in a third set, police said.

On Sept. 8, Police said a burglary was interrupted at a the Sherwood Arms condo complex off Route 83, police said.

A dog unit and officers in patrol cars were dispatched to the area, police said.

The search was extended to the Skinner Road area, police said.

A resident at the complex, at 565 Talcottville Road, the local address for that section of Route 83), called police reporting suspicious activity and possible burglary at one of the ground floor condominium units.

A detective was in the immediate area when the call was dispatched to patrol units, according to a police report. The detective observed two suspects coming from the ground floor unit, police said.

One suspect was carrying a suitcase and the second suspect was carrying a screwdriver and wearing something over his face and both suspects were wearing gloves, police said.

The detective approached the two suspects and immediately both suspects fled on foot, according to a report.

The detective engaged in a foot pursuit with the suspects in a southerly direction and eventually lost sight of the suspects in the woods behind Walgreen’s Pharmacy, 529 Talcottville Road, a report indicates.

Vernon police set up a perimeter with the assistance of South Windsor Police Officers. A Manchester police canine unit responded to the scene to assist. The search for the suspects led police to the neighborhoods off Skinner Road, according to a report.

Out of an "abundance of caution," the police department notified school officials to have Skinner Road Elementary School placed in a lockdown late that morning into the early afternoon. The search covered approximately 1 mile and the suspects were reportedly seen running in the area of Skinner Road and Gerald Drive.

A Manchester police dog tracked the suspects to the Cumberland Farms at Five Corners in the Town of Ellington, where the track ended. Police were then able to determine the suspects climbed into an awaiting vehicle and left the area, a report indicates.

Johnny is being held on three separate $20,000 bonds, court records show. He is due back before a judge on on May 10, court records indicate.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel