OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (WTNH)- A former Glastonbury police officer was charged Wednesday with two burglaries in Old Saybrook and Wethersfield.
Police said 37-year-old Patrick Hemingway was arrested at his court hearing in Hartford.
The above video is from an earlier newscast at 11 p.m. on (11/15/2023.)
Old Saybrook police said they responded to a burglary at the Pizza Palace restaurant on May 8.
The owner told News 8 that the suspect broke in through the back door, and he was shocked to learn six months later, the person police believe broke into his restaurant was a police officer himself.
“It was unbelievable to find out he was a bad cop,” said Pizza Palace owner Stavros Gianitsos.
Court documents call Hemingway a serial burglar who allegedly robbed at least 30 businesses in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, all while an officer with Glastonbury police.
Gianitsos said detectives connected Hemingway to his restaurant’s burglary through DNA he allegedly left behind.
“I noticed there was a table moved, and I went outside and noticed footprints on my handle and my window,” Gianitsos said.
According to the warrant, the suspect was allegedly caught on camera wearing a face mask and gloves, holding a flashlight in a tactical manner used in police technique and holding a coiled, corded object to his ear. Glastonbury police confirmed the size and shape of the object to be consistent with their department-issued police portable radios.
Gianitsos said the break-in happened around 2 a.m., and the suspect avoided his surveillance cameras.
“The alarm went off. He got scared and took off before he could actually get in,” Gianitsos said.
Wethersfield police also issued a warrant for Hemingway Wednesday concerning a February burglary at the Old Wethersfield Country Stor. Police said $200 was stolen from the cash register.
Hemingway resigned from Glastonbury police on Sept. 1 to allegedly become an airline pilot and was arrested later that month.
He was charged with third-degree burglary and held on a $12,000 bond in the Old Saybrook case. He was arraigned Thursday, and the judge raised his bond to $15,000. He’s due in court on Jan. 5.
The Glastonbury police released a statement on Nov. 20 in response to the charges against Hemingway.
“We acknowledge the recent arrests of Mr. Hemingway and are aware that there may be additional arrests pending. The Glastonbury Police staff feels a mix of embarrassment and anger, as it is disheartening to see someone who once wore our patch and worked alongside us blatantly betray the public’s trust.
Our officers have sworn an oath to safeguard and serve the Glastonbury community. Through years of unwavering dedication, they have diligently upheld this commitment, fostering positive and collaborative relationships.
Mr. Hemingway’s actions stand in stark contrast to the bravery, dedication, and hard work exhibited by the men and women of the Glastonbury Police Department. We express gratitude to everyone who has reached out to support our staff.”
This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.
