Shoplifting Suspect Stiffed Taxi Driver: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden Police are asking for the public’s assistance with identifying a suspect accused of stealing energy drinks from a Walgreens in Hamden and then failing to pay for a taxi that brought him to New Haven. Police responded to the 1500 block of Dixwell Avenue on Nov. 12 on the report of a larceny, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said investigation revealed that a Metro-Taxi driver picked up a customer at the corner of Dixwell Avenue and Putnam Avenue. The customer, who was in the possession of four boxes containing energy drinks, instructed the driver to go to a New Haven convenience store.

Upon arrival, the customer entered the store and returned shortly thereafter without the boxes, according to Smith. The customer then instructed the driver to proceed to Dixwell Avenue and Treadwell Street. He then left the taxi without paying the fare, Smith said.

Police determined that the suspect had previously stolen the four boxes of energy drinks from Walgreens, located at 1191 Dixwell Avenue.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s, bald, with a scar near his right eye.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Jeremy Brewer at (203) 230-4030.

Store surveillance photo via Hamden Police