2 Hartford Men Accused Of Breaking Into West Hartford Liquor Store

WEST HARTFORD/HARTFORD, CT — Two Hartford men have been charged in connection with the August break-in and burglary at a West Hartford liquor store, police said Thursday, Oct. 17.

According to the West Hartford Police Department, citing the aid of the Hartford Police Department, the suspects were charged in connection with an incident at Cheers Wine and Spirits, 772 Farmington Ave., on Aug. 29. They are:

• Stephen Perales-Gonzalez, 21, of Hartford, was charged Sept. 27 with third-degree burglary; conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary; second-degree criminal mischief; conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal mischief; third-degree larceny; and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.

The WHPD said Perales-Gonzalez was released on $15,000 bond and will next appear in Hartford Superior Court Nov. 21.

• Josue Leon-Ortiz, 24, of Hartford, was charged Oct. 8 with third-degree burglary; conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary; second-degree criminal mischief; conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal mischief; third-degree larceny; conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny; and possession of burglary tools.

He is also out on a $15,000 bond and will appear in Hartford Superior Court Oct. 17.

The WHPD said the incident happened at about 4:11 a.m. on Aug. 29, when police were called to the liquor store for a burglary alarm complaint.

When police arrived, they found the front glass door shattered and no one inside, police said.

According to the WHPD, "thousands of dollars" worth of alcohol was stolen.

Police said they were able to use CCTV footage to determine a suspect profile, as well as the suspect's vehicle.

Meanwhile, a WHPD detective discussed the incident's details with the Hartford Police Department, which indicated descriptions of the suspects and vehicle matched those in another incident later that morning in Hartford.

Hartford police told West Hartford police they found the vehicle with unopened bottles of "high-end liquor" inside, police said.

With both police departments working together, the two suspects were identified and warrants for their arrest were obtained, police said.

"The West Hartford Police Department would like to thank the Hartford Police Department for their assistance with this investigation," wrote the WHPD.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the WHPD through the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov