Crime & Safety

Suspected Burglar Charged in Wethersfield

A man arrested Monday is facing burglary charges in Wethersfield and Rocky Hill, police said.

ROCKY Hill, CT — A Hartford man has been charged for burglarizing homes in Wethersfield in October, police said.

Benjamin Villanueva, 69, was sent to Wethersfield police from Rocky Hill on Monday after being booked on similar charges, police said. He was charged with Wethersfield with third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny, according to an arrest report.

In Rocky Hill, Villanueva was charged with two counts of attempted burglary, and one count each of criminal mischief and possession of burglar tools, police said. The investigation into Villanueva's activities in Rocky Hill is ongoing and more charges against him could be filed, police said.

Find out what's happening in Wethersfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The investigation began in September, when several burglaries were reported along a Connecticut Transit bus route in Rocky Hill, police said.

On Monday, detectives followed Villanueva, a suspect in the burglaries, from Hartford to Rocky Hill on a transit bus, according to a report.

Find out what's happening in Wethersfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Detectives then observed him walking along the area of Main Street and George Road, knocking on doors, according to a report.

He then walked to the rear of a George Road property and tried to get into a dwelling according to a report.

That's when police made their move and took him into custody, according to a report.

He was held in a $50,000 bond and transported to Wethersfield, police said.

Photo Credit: Head shot of Villanueva courtesy of the RHPD

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