Man Pepper Sprays Security Officer During Robbery At Norwalk Mall: Police

NORWALK, CT — A man accused of peppery spraying a security officer during a robbery of $2,500 worth of handbags from a Norwalk mall last year was arrested this week, according to police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski said officers were called to the SoNo Collection mall on Dec. 28 around 5 p.m. after receiving a report of a robbery.

According to Podgorski, officers learned two men and a woman stole ten handbags valued at approximately $2,500 from Bloomingdales and ran from the store.

A security officer was also sprayed in the face with an irritant, likely pepper spray or mace, during the robbery, Podgorski said.

After further investigation and reviewing video surveillance, officers identified Jesus Rodriguez, 32, of the Bronx, N.Y., and a woman as two of the suspects, Podgorski said.

According to Podgorski, Rodriguez and the woman were also wanted by multiple other police departments in several states for similar robberies and thefts.

Officers also identified Rodriguez as the person who pepper sprayed the security officer during the robbery in Norwalk, Podgorski said.

Rodriguez was arrested by police in Yonkers, N.Y., for crimes committed in their jurisdiction and extradited to Connecticut on Thursday, according to Podgorski.

Rodriguez was charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit organized retail theft and third-degree larceny.

His bond was set at $75,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court, according to Podgorski.

Podgorski also noted the woman was arrested several weeks ago in New Jersey and is currently in custody in Hudson County, N.J., awaiting extradition for charges in Norwalk and New York.