Police: Waterbury Man Caught Trying to Steal Fire Hydrant

A Waterbury man is facing charges after police said he was caught red handed last weekend trying to remove a public fire hydrant and take it for his own personal gain.

It was an unusual call to say the least, Lt. James Fasano said, and when confronted about the incident after being caught red handed, police said John Keeley never denied that he intended to steal the hydrant, although his motivation for the theft remains unclear.

Keeley, of 1236 Meriden Road in Waterbury, was taken into custody following the incident Saturday evening and charged with third-degree larceny and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was released after posting bond, according to Cheshire Police Department records.

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Officers first responded to the intersection of South Main Street and North Brookvale Road around 5 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports that there was a man attempting to remove a fire hydrant in the area. When patrolmen arrived, they found Keeley fumbling with the hydrant and attempting to move it towards his truck. The hydrant never made it into the vehicle, police said.

Keeley, 50, was taken to the station for questioning but when asked why he was trying to steal a fire hydrant, he refused to provide officers with an answer, Fasano said Thursday.

"He never gave any indication as to what he planned to do with the hydrant if he was able to take it," Fasano said.

Keeley is due in Meriden Superior Court for arraignment on March 4.

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