NEWS RELEASE
Date: October 21, 2020
Contact: Captain Ronald Smith
Phone: (203) 230-4029
PIO#: 20-142
On October 21, 2020 at approximately 12:30a.m. Hamden Police responded to Church Street on the report of suspicious activity. The caller reported that someone was “putting wood” on top of a parked motor vehicle and attempting to “light it on fire.”
Officers promptly arrived and extinguished a burning fie log, utilizing a fire extinguisher. The vehicle sustained damage, including 3 tires that were “slashed.”
Two hours thereafter, at approximately 2:30a.m., the individual responsible for the initial damage, returned. He subsequently sprayed gasoline on the vehicle, before lighting it on fire. The Hamden Fire Department responded and extinguished the blaze.
Moments later, officers arrested Russell Sembrat at his residence. Investigation revealed that Sembrat was involved in a motor vehicle accident, days earlier, with the owner of the vehicle that he damaged.
Hamden Police arrested Russell Sembrat, 52, of 213 Gilbert Avenue, Hamden. He was charged with 2 counts of Reckless Burning and 2 counts of Criminal Mischief. Sembrat, who was released after posting a $5,000.00 bond, is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on December 16th.
