Crime & Safety
Police Nab Alleged Shoplifter Who Tried Evading Arrest
More than $200 in stolen items from CVS and a two-foot machete were found inside the Bridgeport resident's vehicle.
An alleged shoplifter tried escaping from police officers on Post Road East on Tuesday afternoon.
Jose Fontanze, 34, of Bridgeport, was charged with sixth-degree larceny, weapons in a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle under suspension.
According to police, an employee at CVS on 397 Post Road E. saw Fontanze allegedly steal some items from the store and then walk out. The employee kept an eye on him as Fontanze walked across the street to Trader Joe's and then drove eastbound on Post Road East.
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Police received a description of the suspect and the vehicle at approximately 11:30 a.m., which was broadcast to all patrol cars. Two officers saw the vehicle in the area of 1200 Post Road E. and turned around to catch up to it. Fontanze then tried eluding the officers by driving into the back lot of Honda of Westport.
When police caught him, they found more than $200 in personal care products and a two-foot machete. Fontanze was held on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Sept. 14
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