Police Looking For Suspect In Package Store Theft, Bottle Switch

NORWICH, CT—The video shows the man swap out a bottle of liquor on the package store counter for another identical one containing water that he pulls from his waistband. The video posted on the Occum Package Store Facebook page includes a caption that says not only is the man allegedly stealing, but is also allegedly product tampering.

And, it's alleged the suspect has done the same thing in other area package stores. The incident took place Monday July 15.

Owner Dawn Brouillard allowed Patch to use the video. Norwich Police are investigating.

In the first post to social media about the incident, the Facebook page which is 'run' by the store's mascot, a dog named Reign, who explained what happened saying it believes most humans are good:

"On Monday, the guy you see in the pictures did something pretty bad. He switched a bottle of alcohol with another bottle when the clerks back was turned. The bottle he switched had water in it, but what if he was rotten and put something dangerous in it to hurt someone and we had sold it? We need your help to find this bad guy so the police can take care of it. We are working with the Norwich Police Department and would really appreciate your help as well! Help me believe that people are good again. Woof! Reign "

Shortly after, and once given the okay by the employee and the Norwich Police Department, the video was posted with this caption:

"Here is the slow motion video of the bad guy. It’s a federal offense to tamper with food or drinks, up to 10 years in prison! Other package stores in the area have been affected by this bad guy as well. Please help us find him so he can be held accountable for his actions. The Norwich Police Department is on the case and we want to help them. Woof! Reign."

Patch has a request for comment and more information in to the Norwich Police Department.

And about Reign, owner Brouillard told Patch, "For the past 32 years our package store has been family operated and we have been rescuing and fostering Border collies."