POLICE: PAIR STOLE MORE THAN $500 IN SEARS MERCHANDISE

Waterford — Police on Thursday were able to find and apprehend two New London residents on the same day they allegedly stole more than $500 in merchandise from the Sears store at the Crystal Mall.

Scott L. Wagner, 39, of 39 Truman St., third floor, New London, was charged with fifth-degree larceny and being a fugitive from justice.

Kimberly M. Rosenthal, 32, of 39 Truman St., third floor, New London, was charged with fifth-degree larceny.

Police said they responded to the reported “snatch and grab” larceny at the Sears store at about 2:15 p.m. Thursday. They learned from witnesses that a white male and white female entered the store, grabbed merchandise from a display, ran to a nearby vehicle and drove away.

From a combination of witnesses and surveillance video, police said they got a description of the suspects and the vehicle.

Dispatchers broadcasted the information to other area police departments, and soon Groton Town police reported having found the vehicle, police said.

Police said they were able to confirm that Wagner and Rosenthal, who were inside the vehicle, were the same people shown in the surveillance video.

As they were investigating, police said they learned there was an outstanding warrant for Wagner’s arrest out of Rhode Island.

A person is charged with fifth-degree larceny when the property he or she allegedly stole is worth more than $500.

Wagner was held on a total of $52,500 in bonds for his charges. Rosenthal was released on a promise to appear in New London Superior Court on Oct. 13.