Two Connecticut Men Arrested After Armed Break-In Attempt in Meriden

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) – Two individuals from Connecticut have been apprehended by authorities after allegedly trying to break into a residence in Meriden while armed.

On December 28, 2023, Meriden police swiftly responded to a report of a break-in at a local home. The homeowner, who was inside the property, immediately dialed 911 and witnessed the two suspects attempting to gain entry through his Ring video camera.

According to the caller, two men were spotted on the front porch, with one visibly carrying a handgun.

Before the arrival of law enforcement, the two suspects had already fled the scene, leaving the homeowner relieved but concerned for their safety.

Determined to bring the offenders to justice, responding police officers conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area. Their efforts paid off when they located two individuals who matched the description provided by the homeowner.

Upon approaching the suspects, one of them was observed with his hand in his pocket. As he removed his hand, a loaded .45 Glock handgun accidentally fell to the ground. This prompted the immediate detainment of the two men by the Meriden police. Shockingly, both suspects provided officers with false identities.

The suspects were subsequently arrested and taken into custody at the Meriden Police Department. Following proper identification procedures, they were revealed to be Robert Dobson, 29, from Meriden, and Robert Tiarre Bowens, 20, from Bridgeport.

Dobson, who resides in Meriden, now faces charges including first-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, first-degree conspiracy to commit attempted burglary, criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, and interfering with police. His bail has been set at $500,000.

Bowens, hailing from Bridgeport, has been charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, first-degree conspiracy to commit attempted burglary, criminal impersonation, interfering with police, and possession of a controlled substance. He is also being held on a $500,000 bond.

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that both individuals had several re-arrest warrants from other jurisdictions, indicating a history of criminal activity.