Thief Pulls Knife On Cops, Tries To Enter Multiple Cars: Milford PD

MILFORD, CT — A woman is accused of pulling a knife on police officers after they caught her shoplifting from a Milford store, according to police.

Police responded to a call reporting a theft at REI at 1587 Boston Post Road on Nov. 18 at 8:21 p.m.

Police located the woman suspected of shoplifting behind Tropical Smoothie Cafe near the dumpsters where they say she was attempting to hide merchandise.

The woman then fled on foot. Officers gave her numerous commands to stop running.

Melissa Riley, 42, of Milford, then pulled a knife on officers as they approached, police said.

She continued to ignore officers' commands and walked into traffic on Boston Post Road. She tried to get into two vehicles, which were both locked.

She then got into a vehicle occupied by a bystander, according to police. The bystander was able to exit the vehicle.

Police gave commands for Riley to drop the knife. Police ultimately tased her and removed the knife from her hand. She was taken into custody.

Police found $1,800 worth of merchandise from REI on Riley. They also found that she had 41 wax folds containing a brown powder substance, 2 grams of a gray rock substance, and 10.8 grams of a thin brown powder substance.

She was charged with first-degree robbery, fourth-degree larceny, interfering with police, and possession with intent to sell.

She was held on $75,000 bond and taken to court Nov. 19.