Two Face Charges In Southbury Shoplifting Case Involving Suspected Crack Cocaine

SOUTHBURY, CT — Two people face charges after police said they took groceries without paying from the Stop & Shop on Main Street North on Aug. 9 and were later found with suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Southbury police said officers responded around 3:20 p.m. after dispatchers reported two people had left the store without paying. Officers soon located a woman pushing a cart filled with unbagged groceries near the intersection of Main Street North and Main Street South. Police identified her as Gwendolyn Lee, 57, who they said admitted to shoplifting. A search of her belongings turned up suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia, according to police.

A short time later, officers found the second suspect in the parking lot of the Shell gas station. Police said the man, wearing a blond wig, ran before being caught after a brief foot chase. The suspect was identified as Angel Mercado, 31. Officers said Mercado also had suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Lee was charged with sixth-degree larceny, use of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance. She was released on a $5,000 bond and is due in Waterbury Superior Court on Aug. 20.

Mercado was charged with sixth-degree larceny, use of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and interfering with an officer. Police said Mercado also had an active warrant for violation of probation. Unable to post a $25,000 bond, Mercado was held for a scheduled court appearance on Aug. 12 in Waterbury.