MERIDEN — A man faced multiple burglary and trespassing charges after apparently breaking and entering into two residential homes following an automobile crash.

Auston Shaw, 37, of Meriden was arrested after police responded to a call informing them of an automobile accident at 352 Westfield Rd. on October 17, 2022 at 9:30 p.m. in which the operator of the vehicle in question was reportedly witnessed fleeing the scene.

When officers arrived, they said they discovered a blue Subaru which had crashed into a utility pole and was registered to Shaw. Police then said they were alerted of two burglaries near the site of the accident. The first incident was reported at 40 Country Club Dr. and the second was reported at 289 Reynolds Dr.

Police said they spoke to a resident of 289 Reynolds Dr. who said they encountered a man inside of their home who intruded as they were watching television and attempted to break through a door at the top of a staircase in the home. The homeowner then said the intruder — later believed to be Shaw — repeatedly demanded that the homeowner hand over the keys to his car.

The homeowner then said he threw a drill at the man who had broken into his home and the man then fled. The homeowner said he watched the intruder attempt to enter a home on Country Club Drive before exiting this home and running out of eyeshot.

Police said they spoke with a homeowner at 40 Country Club Dr. who said they saw a man attempt to break and enter into the house through a side door. A scuffle then ensued and the man attempting to force his way through the door fled the scene.

Officers said they then observed surveillance footage which corroborated the Country Club Drive homeowner’s account of the incident.

Shaw is to be charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal trespassing, third-degree larceny and criminal mischief. He is being held on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 11, 2023.

Shaw’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment.