Wallingford Police Officer Interrupts Overnight Burglary, Man Arrested

WALLINGFORD, CT — A Wallingford police officer interrupted an overnight burglary in a plaza parking lot early Saturday morning and a Hamden man faces charges while police are seeking a second suspect.

A patrol officer observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of 160 South Turnpike Road, a plaza consisting of a few businesses, at about 1:34 a.m. on May 14, Sgt. James Cifarelli said in a press release.

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Cifarelli said a subsequent investigation revealed work trucks from a business in that plaza had been burglarized.

Police quickly established a perimeter and received assistance from state police with a K-9 track.

A short time later, an officer surveilling the suspect vehicle noticed another suspicious vehicle traveling slowly down South Turnpike Road in the area, according to Cifarelli.

Cifarelli said a check of that registration plate showed it was registered to the same last name as the suspect vehicle and officers approached the vehicle and detained the occupants.

Statements and evidence collected at the scene indicated Jeffrey Alston, 52, of Hamden, was involved in the burglary and was placed under arrest, according to Cifarelli.

Alston was charged with conspiracy to commit third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree criminal trespass, third-degree criminal trespass, and criminal attempt at third-degree larceny.

“It is believed the initial patrol officer interrupted the burglary as all stolen items were left at the scene and have since been returned to the owner,” Cifarelli said. “The investigation is ongoing to locate a second suspect.”

Pictured: Jeffrey Alston, 52, of Hamden / Wallingford Police Department