2 Charged With Shoplifting, Found With 'Snips': Westport PD

WESTPORT, CT — Police said two women were arrested Monday and charged in an alleged shoplifting incident at Destination XL in Westport.

According to a news release, police responded to the store at approximately 4:30 p.m. after employees reported having observed two women shoplifting inside the store.

Employees said both women left when confronted, however a third suspect had also entered the store and attempted to distract store personnel by asking questions. She then exited the store and left in a vehicle.

Police said employees were able to provide police dispatchers with a description of the suspected vehicle and the registration plate. Officers located and stopped the vehicle shortly after.

According to police, the woman who allegedly attempted to distract store employees was the driver of the vehicle. She was identified as Asia Bailey, 39, of Bridgeport, police said.

Police said the passenger was identified as Dana Williams, 31, of Stratford, who was allegedly seen placing items into her bag. The third suspect had left on foot and was not located, police said.

When patted down for weapons, police said officers located a pair of “snips,” a tool commonly used to remove store tags, in Bailey’s front pocket. Officers subsequently located a second pair in the glove compartment of the vehicle.

Police said both women initially denied having participated in the shoplifting incident and having been with a third person.

"During the course of investigation, both Bailey and Williams lied to officers numerous times in an attempt to redirect the investigation of the shoplifting," Lieutenant Jillian Cabana said in a release.

Police said both women were arrested and charged with interfering with an officer: non-assaultive, larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and possession of a shoplifting device.

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