Suspects in two separate burglary incidents in West Hartford were apprehended Thursday based on information provided by alert residents.

Jeffrey Barnes (left) and Javon Reynolds. Photos courtesy of West Hartford Police Department

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police arrested and charged suspects in two separate and unrelated burglary incidents Thursday, and in both cases descriptions from witnesses led to the quick identification of the men.

The first case, which occurred just before noon, involved burglary of a home at 11 Goodsell St. Police responded to the report of a silent house alarm as well as a witness description of a suspicious person – wearing a reflective vest and black pants, and carrying a black bag – walking around the home. Police said they were told that the suspicious person left the area on a bike.

Police said that a screen at the rear of the house had been cut, a rear window of the home was smashed, and access had been gained to a second-floor bedroom.

A man wearing a reflective vest and matching the description of the suspect was located by police on New Park Avenue near Hamilton Street and the witness confirmed he was the suspect, police said.

Police arrested Jeffrey Barnes, 53, of Weston Street in Hartford. He has been charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree trespassing, possession of burglary tools, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shortly after 2 p.m., police were notified by residents that a man was attempting to break into several cars in the vicinity of 235 Park Rd. in West Hartford. A man matching the description of the suspect was quickly located on Park Road and taken into custody.

Police arrested Javon Reynolds, 33, of Hartford and charged him with two counts of third-degree burglary.

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