Father And Son Arrested On Burglary Charges In Shelton: Police

SHELTON, CT — A father and son from Orange were arrested on warrants by Shelton police this week in connection with a January burglary in Shelton in which the homeowner watched the two remotely via surveillance cameras, according to authorities.

Christopher Barretta Sr., 47, and Christopher Barretta Jr.,18, were arrested Tuesday on first-degree burglary and fourth-degree larceny charges in connection with the Jan. 6 break-in. Barretta Sr. additionally was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and first-degree criminal mischief.

During their getaway, the two smashed through the garage door and nearly ran over a Shelton police officer, according to authorities.

The incident began when the homeowner, who was not home at the time, contacted Shelton police that two men had forcibly broken into the garage of his home, which he was able to watch happen remotely via surveillance cameras.

The suspects then backed a truck in the garage and began to load it with items, which the homeowner was able to watch while on the phone with police, authorities said.

"Two Shelton Officers responded to the home and when they announced their presence from the driveway outside of the garage, Barrtetta Sr. drove his truck through the closed garage door, nearly missing an officer and his vehicle in the driveway," police wrote on Facebook. "A short pursuit ensued and the two men were able to elude police. The truck was later discovered [abandoned] in the backyard of a nearby house."

An investigation by Shelton police detectives identified the two Barrettas as the suspects, and police obtained warrants for their arrests.

Both were released Tuesday after posting bond on bail of $10,000 each; Barretta Jr. is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on March 11, and Barretta Sr. is scheduled to appear in the same court on March 16.

"This investigation is still on going," police said, reminding the public that "the charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."