Alert Resident, Footprints in Snow Lead West Hartford Police to Alleged Burglars

Footprints left in the snow led West Hartford police to two Hartford men who allegedly stole computers and other electronics from a Bainbridge Road home on Tuesday, according to the Hartford Courant.

A resident called police to report that three suspicious men were carrying a large bag in her neighborhood, the Courant reported. The men fled when a patrol officer saw them about an hour later, the Courant said.

Officers followed footprints to the bag, which the men had abandoned near a building on Park Street, according to the Courant. The officers continued to follow the footprints, which led them to Jose Ofray, 20, and Michael Ortega, 22, who were charged with “third-degree burglary, third-degree larceny, interfering with police and conspiracy,” according to the Courant.

Bond was set at $50,000 for both men. The investigation remains open for the third suspect, the Courant said.

It’s the fourth time since October that West Hartford police apprehended alleged burglars after an alert resident tipped off authorities.

The West Hartford Police Department advises residents to call 860-523-5203 or 911 in an emergency or if they see someone or something out of the ordinary in their neighborhoods.