Busted: Southington Teen Faces Dozens of Burglary, Theft Charges

A Southington teen remains in custody, facing dozens of charges that allege he broke into several cars and homes in town since the beginning of July.

According to Southington Police and Connecticut Judicial Branch records, Austin A. Baker, 19, is being held on more than $200,000 bond set on the charges that range from first-degree burglary at night to theft of a firearm and sixth-degree larceny. He also has other pending court cases involving assault and criminal mischief, according to court records.

This is how Southington Police describe what led to the Baker's arrest on July 5:

About 1:40 a.m. on July 5, a second-floor resident at 185 Old Turnpike Rd., reported that he believed that someone was trying to enter his residence using a key. The resident told dispatchers that someone had broken into his vehicle two days before and a set of keys were stolen from his vehicle.

When officers arrived on scene, they found Baker attempting to enter a bottom floor window, where he had removed an air conditioner. The resident on the first floor of 185 Old Turnpike Rd. was home at the time. Baker was taken into custody without incident.

Police said that during the investigation they found several sets of keys on Baker's person, including the keys that were stolen from the second-floor resident's vehicle earlier in the week. 

For the July 5 incident, Baker was charged with second-degree burglary, two counts of criminal attempt at second-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools. Bond on those charges was set at $200,000, according to court records.

Then on July 9, police charged Baker with six counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of sixth-degree larceny, and one count each of first-degree burglary at night, fifth-degree larceny, stealing a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, third-degree criminal mischief, credit card theft and second-degree false statement. Bond on those charges was set at $10,000.

According to court records, Baker was arrested July 1 on charges of third-degree burglary, criminal attempt at third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief. Bond on those charges is $5,000.

Baker also has pending cases dating back to last December and May, according to court records. On Dec. 29, he was arrested on third-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct charges. Bond in that case is $5,000. In May, Baker was arrested on violation of a protection order, third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct charges. Bond in this case is $5,000.

He is scheduled to return to state Superior Court in Bristol on Aug. 12 for all of the cases, according to court records.

Meanwhile, Southington Police is attempting to identify the owners of the other sets of keys found on Baker. If any residents believe that they may have had keys stolen recently, they are asked to contact Officer Lamarre at 860-378-1600, ext. 2374 or via email:  clamarre@southingtonpolice.org.