K-9, Officers Catch Man Allegedly Breaking Into Cars

A Hamden man allegedly breaking into cars on Albert Road was arrested early Wednesday morning after officers with a K-9 tracked him down after a search.

Police got a report of someone breaking into cars in the area of Albert Road about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith said.

Officer Jason Venditto responded to the call and saw a man looking into a vehicle, Smith said. When the man saw Venditto, he fled, Smith said.

Venditto, and his K-9 partner “Titan” began searching the area from Albert Roadto Wintergreen Avenue to Brook Street, Smith said. They found the man, identified as Joseph Civitelli, lying on the ground near a basement door on Brook Street, Smith said.

Civitelli, 21, of 23 Alenier St.,  was arrested after trying to fight off officers, Smith said. He was charged with two counts of third-degree burglary, possession of burglar tools, sixth-degree larceny, second-degree criminal mischief, simple trespass and interfering with a police officer.

Civitelli posted $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court June 21.