Police: Man Charged After Trying to Steal Generator, Cell Phone, Car Keys

A Hamden man arrested after he allegedly attempted to steal a generator from a Killingworth home last week was arrested the following day in Middletown, police say.

Shortly before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, a homeowner on Route 81 called police to report that a suspicious person was attempting to steal a generator from the property.

According to police, the homeowner confronted 47-year-old Stephen E. Dougherty, preventing him from taking the equipment.

When police pulled Dougherty over along Route 80, near the traffic circle, they say he had a weapon, drugs and drug paraphernalia in his possession.

He was arrested on multiple charges.

But less than 24 hours later police say Dougherty was back in their custody after two incidents in Middletown.

The first occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, when police say Dougherty entered a UPS truck and stole the drivers cell phone.

The driver followed Dougherty and was able to recover the phone before calling police.

About 45 minutes later police received another call from a woman who said Dougherty had attempted to take her car keys while she was leaving work at Middlesex Hospital.

Police eventually tracked down Dougherty on South Main Street, where they also found several gold necklaces and earrings lying on the ground, along with a Blackberry.

While being placed under arrest Dougherty admitted to being arrested the previous day in Killingworth, police say.

He faces larceny and burglary charges, as well as drug charges.

More from the blotter:

Sunday, July 31

Police investigate a report of an assault at Indian Springs Golf Course in Middlefield. According to a report, the victim suffered a mild concussion and required three stitches in his lip. The accused is identified as Gary Manson, of Meriden. The case remains under investigation.

Saturday, August 20

Scott Thomas, 46, of 13 Partridge Hollow Road, Killingworth, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Sunday, August 21

Alexander Passavant, 47, of 43 Stowe Road, Middlefield, was arrested and charged with harassment. According to police, Passavant had been asked to stop sending harassing text messages to the victim, but did not comply.

Thursday, August 25

Robert Obernauer, 39, of 41 Titus Coan Road, Killingworth, turned himself in on an outstanding arrest warrant. Obernauer was charged with harassment, threatening and breach of peace.