Shoplifting Turns Into Robbery At Trumbull Mall JCPenny Store: Police

TRUMBULL, CT — A Bridgeport man charged in a shoplifting incident that turned into a robbery at the Westfield Trumbull mall was arrested Thursday afternoon, according to police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir said JCPenney security officers saw Howayne Mcintosh, 35, of Bridgeport, select various items within the store and hide them under his oversized clothing.

When security tried to arrest Mcintosh, he was cooperative at first, but later acted aggressive toward security, Weir said.

At one point, Mcintosh grabbed a knife from his hip and flipped open the blade, causing security to step back, Weir said. He then threw the merchandise at a security officer, left the store and ran down Madison Avenue.

Trumbull police later found Mcintosh and arrested him after being identified by the store's security, Weir said.

Mcintosh was charged with second-degree robbery and sixth-degree larceny. He was held on a $10,000 bond.

Mcintosh also had outstanding arrest warrant for his involvement in a June shoplifting incident at a Target store in the mall, Weir said. He was charged with sixth-degree larceny and held on an additional $500 bond.

He is scheduled to appear in court for both arrests in September.