{"id":322369,"date":"2026-08-16T02:06:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T02:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/322369\/"},"modified":"2026-08-16T02:06:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T02:06:09","slug":"bronx-man-arrested-in-connecticut-allegedly-stole-27-bottles-of-nyquil-and-dayquil-from-cvs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/322369\/","title":{"rendered":"Bronx man arrested in Connecticut allegedly stole 27 bottles of NyQuil and DayQuil from CVS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Officers from the Wilton<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

In a release Friday, Wilton police say they apprehended 27-year-old Gabriel Zapata, from the Bronx, New York.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Wilton police were given a detailed description of the suspect and quickly located him near the Wilton library.<\/p>\n

The man, identified by police as Zapata, was reportedly jogging away from the area when confronted.<\/p>\n

A search of the backpack revealed 27 unopened bottles of NyQuil and DayQuil, according to police.<\/p>\n

Zapata was arrested without incident and held on a $500 bond.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Wilton police add he had other arrest warrants coming from East Lyme and Old Saybrook.<\/p>\n

Zapata was processed for the warrants stemming from missing the court appearances in New Britain and Middletown.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The responding officers are also praised for their fast response and success in recovering the stolen merchandise.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Wilton drug bust raises concerns about illegal sales of banned substance in Connecticut<\/a><\/p>\n

RELATED: Suspect returned to scene of theft 2 times: Wilton police<\/a><\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

Dalton Zbierski is a digital editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at\u00a0dzbierski@FOX61.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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