Trumbull Mall Thefts Turn Violent: PD

TRUMBULL, CT — Two recent theft incidents at the Trumbull mall turned violent, according to police.

A woman who was seated at Panera Bread noticed her purse and wallet were opened by two females seated behind her July 26, said Lt. Douglas Smith, police spokesman. The two females ran outside to the parking lot and the victim gave chase while yelling for help.

Two men came to the victim's aid. One of the good Samaritans was bitten and the other was kicked by the thieves. One of the men managed to pull a bag away from one of the suspects before the two females fled in a vehicle. The bag contained stolen items, including a woman's purse that was taken in Westport. To sign up for Trumbull breaking news alerts and more, click here.

Police are following leads in the case, Smith said.

A Bridgeport man was arrested July 30 after he assaulted a Lord & Taylor security employee during an attempted shoplifting, according to Smith.

Javier Saez, 49, grabbed more than $1,500 worth of men's clothing and exited the store. Security officers attempted to stop him outside when one of them was shoved by Saez, Smith said. Saez scaled a fence and fled the scene, but was eventually captured by a Trumbull officer who spotted him on Edison Road.

Saez was charged with third-degree robbery, fourth-degree larceny and assault.

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