Suspect Apprehended After Breaking Into Hartford Discount Retailer

Police say the 36-year-old man was caught on a live video stream burglarizing a closed Dollar Tree store.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Police in Hartford, Connecticut have arrested a 36-year-old man named Jonathan Felix after he was caught on a live video feed breaking into a closed Dollar Tree store to burglarize the business. Felix has been charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglar's tools, and interfering with police. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on February 26.

Why it matters

Retail theft and commercial burglaries are an ongoing challenge for businesses and law enforcement in urban areas like Hartford. This incident highlights how video surveillance and quick police response can help apprehend suspects and prevent further property crimes.

The details

According to police, officers were dispatched to the Dollar Tree location on Franklin Avenue on January 28 after receiving a report of a live video feed showing someone inside the closed business. Officers quickly established a perimeter and coordinated with a state police K9 unit to apprehend the suspect, identified as Jonathan Felix, without incident. A review of surveillance footage confirmed that Felix had forced entry through the front doors, though no merchandise was taken.

  • On January 28, police responded to a report of a live video feed showing a suspect inside the closed Dollar Tree store.
  • Felix is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on February 26.

The players

Jonathan Felix

A 36-year-old man who has been charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglar's tools, and interfering with police in connection with the break-in at the Hartford Dollar Tree store.

Hartford Police Department (HPD)

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the report of the break-in, apprehended the suspect, and is handling the investigation.

Connecticut State Police K9 Unit

The state police K9 unit that assisted the Hartford Police Department in apprehending the suspect at the scene.

Dollar Tree

The discount retail chain that operates the store location in Hartford where the break-in occurred.

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What they’re saying

“Officers arrived quickly, established a perimeter, and coordinated with the Connecticut State Police K9 Unit (K9 Kilo) to successfully apprehend the suspect without incident.”

— Hartford Police Department (Patch.com)

What’s next

Felix is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on February 26, where a judge will determine whether to grant him bail or keep him in custody as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of effective surveillance, rapid police response, and coordination between local and state law enforcement in addressing commercial burglaries and retail theft in urban areas like Hartford.