Woman Pepper-Sprayed Clerk, Stole Bottles From Liquor Store: Stamford Police

STAMFORD, CT — A New York City woman is accused of pepper-spraying a Stamford liquor store clerk and stealing two bottles of alcohol, according to police.

Sekai Doulin, 27, of the Bronx, N.Y., was arrested Wednesday and charged with first-degree robbery, third-degree assault, second-degree breach of peace, sixth-degree larceny, and carrying a dangerous weapon, Stamford Assistant Police Chief Richard Conklin said.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at Bedford Wine & Spirits located at 82 Hoyt St.

Conklin said a woman, later identified as Doulin, came into the store and tried to purchase two bottles of alcohol using a credit card number without a physical card.

The clerk told the woman he couldn't complete the transaction without a physical card, Conklin said, noting at that point, the woman reached into her purse, pulled out pepper spray and sprayed the clerk in the face.

The clerk was able to wrestle one of the bottles away, but on her way out of the store, the woman grabbed another one and left, Conklin said. The stolen bottles were premium Hennessy, valued at $130, and Remy Martin champagne, worth $80, Conklin added.

"Officer Aaron Miller who was on routine patrol in the area saw a driver of a car frantically waving him down," Conklin said. "He stopped and talked to the driver who said a female was being chased down the road by a male right by Hoyt Street and Morgan Street."

The male was later identified as the liquor store clerk, according to Conklin.

Miller began looking in the area of Morgan Street, and noticed a woman walking calmly with a large liquor bottle sticking out of her purse, Conklin said. Dispatch had yet to relay details of the incident, so Miller continued on with his business.

"A few minutes later, the call came in for the robbery and the description [of the suspect] was given, and [Officer Miller] realized that was the same female that he had gone past. He swung around again and stopped her near Morgan Street."

The woman was detained, and Conklin noted she matched the description of the woman seen in a photo from the liquor store.

Additionally, officers found Doulin in possession of a 12-inch kitchen-style knife, said Conklin, who praised Miller's alertness.

The liquor store clerk was treated at the scene by EMS for pepper spray in the eyes, but refused to go to the hospital, Conklin said.

Doulin was given a $35,000 bond and was scheduled to be arraigned in court Thursday, Conklin added.