Officers from the Wilton Police Department arrested a man from out-of-state Thursday after he allegedly stole approximately $1,000 of cold medicine from the CVS Pharmacy on Old Ridgefield Road.
In a release Friday, Wilton police say they apprehended 27-year-old Gabriel Zapata, from the Bronx, New York.
Zapata is charged with fifth-degree larceny after the shoplifting incident that police say occurred at the business in Wilton Town Center around 1:30 p.m.
Officers responded to CVS after a staff member reported a man placing merchandise into a green backpack before fleeing the store when confronted by employees.
Wilton police were given a detailed description of the suspect and quickly located him near the Wilton library.
The man, identified by police as Zapata, was reportedly jogging away from the area when confronted.
A search of the backpack revealed 27 unopened bottles of NyQuil and DayQuil, according to police.
Zapata was arrested without incident and held on a $500 bond.
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The police report notes it was later determined that Zapata had separate arrest warrants for missing court dates in both New Britain and Middletown.
Wilton police add he had other arrest warrants coming from East Lyme and Old Saybrook.
Zapata was processed for the warrants stemming from missing the court appearances in New Britain and Middletown.
He must make his way to New Britain Superior Court after being charged with fifth-degree larceny, while his summons to Middletown Superior Court stems from an interfering with officers’ charge.
Zapata was unable to post bail following his arrest in Wilton and was taken to Stamford Superior Court, where he was set to be arraigned on Friday.
In its report, the Wilton Police Department thanks the CVS workers who immediately reported the incident and gave a spot on description of the suspect.
The responding officers are also praised for their fast response and success in recovering the stolen merchandise.
As to why one would allegedly steal approximately $1,000 in cough medicine, it is worth noting that products such as NyQuil and DayQuil are often used as active ingredients for a highly addictive recreational high.
It is important to note as well that the charges against Zapata are merely accusations until and unless proven true beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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