Suspicious vehicle tip leads to two burglary arrests in Manchester

Connecticut State Police arrested two Putnam residents in Manchester on Thursday afternoon after a report of a suspicious vehicle led troopers to find what they say were burglary tools, stolen pipe and copper wiring in the suspects’ car.

Putnam residents Travis Steele, 33, and Melissa Hachey, 30, face multiple multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in connection to the Thanksgiving arrest.

At approximately 4:23 p.m. on Thursday, troopers from Connecticut State Police Troop C of Tolland responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle parked behind an unoccupied residence on Middle Turnpike in Mansfield.

Police said that they found Steele placing sections of pipe into a Chevrolet Cruze parked at the rear of the residence. Police also found Hachey at the residence.

Troopers said that when they asked Steele for his name and date of birth, he initially gave false information.

After allegedly observing copper wiring and pipe inside the the vehicle, the troopers said that they detained Steele and Hachey at the scene to investigate.

Police said the investigation allegedly found that wiring and pipe had been removed from inside the residence.

According to police, when Steele and Hachey were placed under arrest, Hachey allegedly removed one of her handcuffs and resisted being re-secured in the restraints.

Police said that Steele “became uncooperative and actively fought troopers, interfering with efforts to secure Hachey.” Police said this required additional troopers to respond to the scene.

After securing Steele and Hachey, troopers said they searched the vehicle and allegedly found burglary tools, drug paraphernalia, copper wiring and pipe.

According to police, Hachey requested medical attention for a pre-existing medical condition, as did Steele for reported injuries.

Police said that EMS transported Hachey and Steele to Windham Hospital in an ambulance.

After Hachey and Steele were evaluated and discharged, police said the pair was transported to Troop C in Tolland for processing.

According to court and Department of Correction records, Steele is currently being held at Hartford Correctional Center on a $25,000 bond for two felony charges of assault on a public safety officer and third-degree burglary and five misdemeanor charges of possession of burglary tools, third-degree criminal mischief, criminal impersonation, interfering with an officer, use of drug paraphernalia and violating probation.

Steele was convicted of seven felonies in 2017 for sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic, four counts of third-degree burglary, stealing a firearm and first-degree failure to appear. He was previously found guilty of violating the terms of his probation once before in 2020.

According to court records, Hachey remains in custody on a $10,000 bond on one felony charge of third-degree burglary and four misdemeanor charges of interfering with an officer, possession of burglary tools, third-degree criminal mischief and use of drug paraphernalia.

In 2015, Hachey was convicted of the sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic, a felony offense. In 2018, Hachey was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance/less than 1/2 ounce of cannabis and violating probation.

Neither party has entered a plea.

Steele has court dates set for Monday at 10 a.m. at Danielson Superior Court and Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. at Rockville Superior Court.

Hachey’s next court date is set for Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at Rockville Superior Court.