NY man linked to store theft in Meriden

A New York man wanted in connection with a theft at an Ulta Beauty store in Meriden was transported from New York on Wednesday and charged with multiple offenses, police said.

On Thursday, detectives from the Meriden Police Department responded to the Westchester County Department of Corrections in Valhalla, New York, to pick up 22-year-old Jebocka Perkins of Peekskill, New York, on an arrest warrant, according to Meriden police.

Perkins is facing charges of organized retail theft, second-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny in connection with an incident on Aug. 27, 2023, Meriden police said. On that date around 6 p.m., Perkins, along with three females entered the Ulta Beauty store located at 533 S. Broad St. in Meriden. Perkins and the three females were allegedly wearing surgical masks on their faces and each was carrying a bag. According to Meriden police, the four individuals allegedly began loading the bags with perfumes, fragrances and other merchandise before running out of the store.

Store personnel were able to get a description of the car, and the license plate on the vehicle was identified as a New Jersey registration, Meriden police said.

A description of the car was put out statewide. It was later spotted by a Connecticut State Police trooper who attempted to make a motor vehicle stop, according to Meriden police. The driver reportedly fled the area, and the trooper lost sight of the vehicle in the New Canaan area, Meriden police said.

The New York State Police were also alerted about the suspected vehicle. Meriden police said they were notified that the vehicle was spotted by New York troopers who attempted to stop the car. The vehicle subsequently crashed and two of the occupants were immediately taken into custody.

The other two occupants, who were allegedly involved in the Ulta Beauty theft, fled on foot, according to Meriden police. They were apprehended a short time later in the area by Westchester County Police.

Perkins was held on a $51,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 28, according to Meriden police.

The investigation is ongoing, Meriden police said, and additional arrests are expected soon.