Woman Tried To Steal Tip Jar, Spit On Officers: Middletown Police

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A Middletown woman is accused of trying to steal a tip jar from a local business and later spitting in the faces of two officers, according to police.

Police say Melissa Mishler, 32, tried to steal a tip jar containing about $60 from a business at 312 Main St. around 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 18. An employee stopped Mishler and was able to take the tip jar back, according to police.

Mishler, who walked away before police arrived, was found by officers a short distance away from the store. Police said Mishler initially ran from officers and then physically resisted being detained, which led to one officer using OC (pepper) spray, according to the police report.

At police headquarters, Mishler is accused of headbutting the paper towel dispenser, knocking it off the wall and shattering it. Police said Mishler continued “to be combative, spitting in the faces” of two officers, according to the report. Mishler then was processed without further incident.

Mishler was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, sixth-degree larceny, resisting arrest and two counts of assault on a police officer. She was released on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 29.