Suspect Accused Of Shoplifting From Westport Stop & Shop: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A 54-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested by Westport police last week on larceny and conspiracy charges, after authorities said she and another person stole more than $500 worth of merchandise from the Stop and Shop on the Post Road East.

The second suspect in the case, a man who police have identified, is being sought, and the department anticipates apprehending him in the future.

According to Lt. Anthony Prezioso, the incident occurred on Oct. 16, with officers being called to the store on a report of a shoplifting.

"Staff alleged that a male and female had entered the store together and had filled a shopping cart with assorted merchandise," Prezioso said in a statement. "The female, later identified as Noemi Figueroa-Torres, then reportedly began conversing with front end staff in what was presumed to be an intentional distraction. This allowed the male an opportunity to exit the store without paying for the grocery items and without being seen. He was later observed loading the stolen items into a vehicle parked within the lot, securing it and walking away."

Figueroa-Torres remained in the store and made a purchase, and was caught outside while trying to hide behind a tree, according to Prezioso.

"The vehicle containing the stolen merchandise was determined to belong to her," Prezioso said. "The value of the goods taken in this incident was reported by staff to be $510.56."

Figueroa-Torres was taken into custody on charges of fifth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny. She was released after posting a $500 bond, and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Oct. 30.

As mentioned above, the second suspect remains at-large, but Westport police know his identity.