Thief Recklessly Fled From Police In I-95 Chase, East Lyme Police Say

EAST LYME, CT — Police have caught a man accused of stealing $720 worth of merchandise from a pharmacy then recklessly fleeing police.

Police responded to the Walgreens on Flanders Road on a report of a theft in September. Officers learned a man stole over $720 worth of items before fleeing from the parking lot in a black Volkswagen Jetta.

Police found the car Oct. 6 and attempted to stop it. The driver fled from officers onto I-95 and drove recklessly, according to police.

Police identified the suspect as he was being investigated for similar thefts. The driver, a 36-year-old New Britain man, led police on a chase.

He was charged with fifth-degree larceny, disobeying an officer's signal, and reckless driving. He was held on $15,000 bond.

"If you think shoplifting is just a minor crime, think again," police wrote on Facebook. "We take all crimes seriously. Shoplifting isn’t a victimless offense — it impacts our businesses and our community. We will continue to pursue those who think otherwise."