FARMINGTON – A man who allegedly broke into the Wilton Police Station and stole a police cruiser was formally arraigned Wednesday on two charges, burglary and driving after revocation.

Judge John McElwee set bail for Robert M. Bowden, 28, of Wilton, at $750 cash for the two charges.

According to court documents, Bowden had been convicted of criminal operating under the influence on Feb. 26, 2001. His license had been revoked.

Bowden allegedly pried open a window at the unoccupied, locked police station at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, opened the overhead door and drove a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria cruiser out.

The cruiser crashed twice during a 2.9-mile ride, and it was abandoned in a ditch on Main Street. There was extensive damage to the cruiser, leaving it inoperable, police said.

Wilton police charged him Tuesday with operating under the influence, being a habitual offender, burglary, and theft by unauthorized taking.

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