Pennsylvania man charged with burglary after being found in Connecticut state office building vault

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut State Police have arrested a Pennsylvania man who allegedly broke into a state office building Sunday evening in downtown Hartford.

State Police responded to 165 Capitol Ave. in Hartford around 5:10 p.m. after an alarm went off. Authorities found that the suspect had gotten inside through a utility area in the basement through a metal grate, according to state police.

The suspect, 43-year-old Cristian Gonzalez of Shillington, Pa., was found in the transformer vault area of the basement and taken into custody, state police said.

Gonzalez allegedly damaged or turned off various utilities, causing power outages and system failures at the Comptrollers building.

Gonzalez was charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglar tools, second-degree criminal trespass and first-degree criminal mischief.

The building was closed on Monday due to the impact on its systems. Law enforcement said they did several sweeps to ensure no other unauthorized people were inside.

Hartford police, Capitol police, state police and Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Statewide Security responded to the scene. Eversource also responded to restore power to the building.

Attorney General William Tong said Monday morning, “I thank the State Police for their swift and professional response.”

The investigation is now being handled by the state police’s Major Crimes Division.

Gonzalez appeared in Hartford Superior Court on Monday, where a judge set his bond at $50,000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.