A former Connecticut police officer, Patrick Hemingway, has been accused of committing at least 30 burglaries across three states, including in the community of Glastonbury where he once served. The 37-year-old allegedly targeted restaurants and other businesses in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, stealing from their cash registers and safes. Hemingway, who was already facing charges for computer crimes, is expected to face additional charges.
According to a newly unsealed warrant, Hemingway is suspected of misusing a police database 80 times, including making inquiries about his and his wife’s vehicles, as well as making a false statement. The warrant suggests that Hemingway may have been checking to see if he was under investigation by the police.
Surveillance video allegedly shows a tall man matching Hemingway’s description wearing a mask, hoodie, gloves, and using a flashlight in a tactical manner during the burglaries. The suspect was also seen holding a coiled, corded object to his left ear, similar to the radios used by the Glastonbury Police Department where Hemingway used to work. Lock-picking tools, which Hemingway had access to during his time with the department, were used in some of the robberies. Additionally, surveillance footage captured a vehicle used in the burglaries that resembles one owned by Hemingway’s wife.
Hemingway was arrested on September 22 at a New Jersey airport as a fugitive from justice and is currently being held on a $1 million bond. His lawyer, James E. Sulick, expressed surprise at the high bond amount, comparing it to murder cases. Hemingway is expected to face the consequences of his alleged crimes.
Note: The information in this article is based on a news report and the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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