Wallingford Man, 31, Charged With Robbery, Threatening: Branford PD

BRANFORD, CT — A 31-year-old Wallingford man was charged after Branford police said he pulled a knife on a store employee who tried to stop the man from shoplifting a cart full of groceries Saturday night.

According to Branford police, Joe K. Cottes Lopez was trying to leave the Branford Stop & Shop with "a carriage full of items," when he was interrupted by a store employee. Police said Cottes Lopez "allegedly pulled a knife out and swung it at the store employee." Several people witnessed the crime, police said.

Cottes Lopez then ran but was chased on foot by Branford police officer Shannon MacIsaac and was caught "in the woods a short distance away," police said. The knife was found at the scene, police said.

Cottes Lopez was charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree threatening, and sixth-degree larceny. He was due in court Monday for arraignment.