NY Man Accused Of Shoplifting Twice From Same Westport Store: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A 24-year-old Brooklyn, New York man was arrested last week on larceny and conspiracy charges, after Westport police said he stole a total of more than $7,000 worth of clothing on two separate occasions from the Lululemon store on Main Street.

Tyrique Howard was charged with two counts of third-degree larceny and two counts of conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny in connection with alleged shoplifting incidents on July 15 and July 21, according to authorities.

In the July 15 incident, Howard and another man entered the store and filled up large bags with assorted merchandise, Westport police said.

"They subsequently exited through the rear entrance/exit without making any attempt to pay for it," wrote Lt. Anthony Prezioso in a statement. "The store was able to confirm $2940.00 in goods as stolen but suspected that the actual value was much higher. This incident was captured on surveillance video."

Westport police were able to determine that Howard was a suspect with help from other police departments that were investigating similar crimes, according to Prezioso.

In the July 21 incident, at least $4,410 worth of items were stolen from the store in a similar fashion, police said. A second suspect has not yet been arrested in connection with the alleged crimes.

Westport police obtained a warrant for Howard's arrest, and on Aug. 27, he was taken into custody by authorities in Bergen County, New Jersey, on an unrelated matter, but it took nearly a month for him to be extradited back to Connecticut.

"During a post arrest interview, Howard was shown surveillance footage from this July 21st shoplifting incident and positively identified himself in the video," Prezioso said.

Howard remains in custody in lieu of bail of $50,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Oct. 15.