Posing As Home Depot Employee, Woman Who Walked Out With Loaded Cart Charged By EHPD

EAST HAVEN, CT — Posing as a Home Depot employee, orange apron and all, a woman pushed a cart "loaded with merchandise" out of the store without paying, police said.

Wednesday afternoon, Frontage Road store loss prevention staff called cops after witnessing the theft, according to East Haven police spokesperson, Capt. Joseph M. Murgo.

Mercedes Zebrowski, 35, of Bridgeport, was wearing a Home Depot apron in an "apparent effort to pose as an employee," Murgo said. Zebrowski was approached by staff in the parking lot and the stolen merchandise, two portable air conditioners valued at nearly $800, was recovered in the parking lot, he said.

East Haven officers Robert Celentano and Anthony Fiorillo "quickly located Zebrowski and a male driver, later identified as Julio Velazquez,40, of Bridgeport, in a nearby in a vehicle," Murgo said.

Zebrowski, who was still in possession of the Home Depot apron, was taken into custody without incident, police said. During the investigation, it was discovered that Zebrowski had multiple active arrest warrants from various jurisdictions, totaling $130,000 in bonds, Murgo said.

Taken to East Haven police headquarters, Zebrowski was charged with fifth-degree larceny, and is being held on a total of $130,500 in bonds. She is and is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

Velazquez was detained and later charged issued misdemeanor summons for interfering with an officer, conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny. He's due in court July 9.