Officers Surprise Burglar During Break-In

From the Middletown Police Department

On January 14, 2011 at approximately 1230 hrs. two MPD patrol units responded to 25 Westmont Dr. as dispatch had received a call from a concerned neighbor that a male party had  walked around the rear of the residence.

Officers boxed in a red Buick Lesabre parked just south of the residence. Officers then proceeded towards the residence. 

One of the officers observed fresh footprints in the snow leading up to a broken rear first floor window of the residence. 

A patrol sergeant arrived on scene as a police K-9 unit was also enroute to the residence. As officers attempted to set up a perimeter they observed the front door of the residence open and then close quickly.

The officer covering the rear portion of the residence then observed a party, later identified as Scott Hatje age 22 of 75 Waterview Dr, Wethersfield, CT, jump out of a rear second floor window into the snow. Hatje began to run towards the officer at the rear of the residence, then turned and ran in a northwesterly direction. Officers pursued Hatje on foot through the neighborhood in one to two feet of snow, as he continuously ignored their commands for him to stop. Officers were able to apprehend Hatje in the rear yard of a residence located on Military Road. After a brief altercation between officers and Hatje he was handcuffed and taken into custody. Located in Hatje’s left front jacket pocket were several pieces of jewelry taken from the residence. Also located on Hatje were four packets of heroin.  Hatje stated he was a heroin addict and that his father resides on Old Mill Road and his uncle owns a landscaping company on Washington St. in Middletown.

The Buick Lesabre that was parked just south of 25 Westmont Dr. belonged to Hatje and was secured as evidence.

One of the officers was transported to Middlesex Hospital and later released for injuries sustained during the foot chase.

Hatje was later transported to Middlesex Hospital and later released for complaints of an injury.

Scott Hatje was subsequently arrested for the following charges and held on a $50,000.00 bond:  

Burglary 3^rd

Larceny 4^th

Interfering with an Officer

Assault on a Police Officer

Possession of Heroin

Possession of Heroin within 1500’ of a School