Officer Stops Shoplifter While Getting Coffee: Waterford PD

WATERFORD, CT — Police said a Waterford officer stopped an accused shoplifter at the Crystal Mall after he was in the "right place at the right time."

Police said on Facebook that Lieutenant Silva was getting coffee at the mall when he noticed a woman with a bag designed for shoplifting. According to police, the accused saw Silva and ran for her car.

Police said Silva got to his car and stopped the woman a short distance later. When asked about the shoplifting "booster" bag, the accused admitted to having the bag in the car, police said.

The officer then seized the bag and placed the accused under arrest.

Police said Shamon Scales, 36, of Bridgeport was arrested on charges of larceny, possession of a shoplifting device and larceny in the fifth degree. She was found to be in possession of over $1,200 worth of items from numerous stores in the mall and possibly others, police said.

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Photo credit: Waterford Police Department Facebook page