West Hartford Police and Hartford Police collaborated for the arrest of two Hartford men.

Steven Perales-Gonzalez (left) and Josue Leon-Ortiz. Courtesy of West Hartford Police

By Ronni Newton

Two Hartford men were identified as the suspects in the burglary of a West Hartford liquor store in late August, and both have now been charged by warrant in the incident, West Hartford Police said Thursday.

The incident occurred in the early morning of Aug. 29, 2024. According to Lt. Ryan Riley, West Hartford Police responded to a burglar alarm at Cheers Wine and Spirits at 772 Farmington Avenue at approximately 4:11 a.m.

When officers arrived, they found the glass front door shattered, but no one was on the premises. Riley said that “thousands of dollars worth of alcohol” had been stolen from the business.

Police reviewed CCTV surveillance video, and were able to identify suspects as well as a suspect vehicle, police said, and the information was shared with Hartford Police by a West Hartford detective who is a member of the Statewide Violent Task Force. Hartford Police recognized the vehicle, which they said had been used in a liquor store burglary in Hartford at approximately 5:18 a.m., also on Aug. 29, 2024.

When Hartford Police found the vehicle, they said dozens of unopened bottles of high-end liquor were found inside.

The two agencies worked together, and identified the two suspects. Warrants for both men were approved and both have now been arrested and charged.

On Sept. 27, West Hartford Police charged Steven Perales-Gonzalez, 21, of Hartford with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.

Perales-Gonzalez posted $15,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Nov. 21.

Josue Leon-Ortiz, 24, also of Hartford, was charged by West Hartford Police on Oct. 8. He has also been charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny – as well as with possession of burglary tools.

Leon-Ortiz posted $15,000 surety bond, and was scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Thursday, Oct. 17.

Online court documents indicate that both men also face charges related to their arrests for unconnected incidents.

West Hartford Police expressed their thanks to the Hartford Police Department for their assistance with the investigation of this incident. They also ask anyone who has further information to please contact West Hartford Police via the anonymous tip line 860- 570-8969 or email [email protected].

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