WATERFORD, CT (WFSB) - Two men were arrested for their involvement in a retail theft operation in Waterford, state police reported.
State police identified the suspects as 33-year-old Scott Bourgeois of Lebanon and 47-year-old John Jones of Putnam.
Troopers said that on Monday, they conducted a proactive operation to combat high-end shoplifting incidents that had happened at retail stores in Waterford.
Detectives collaborated with loss prevention personnel from several large retail corporations.
At around 3:40 p.m., detectives said they were notified of an active theft at a commercial store located on Hartford Turnpike.
The suspects were identified to detectives by loss prevention, and later spotted leaving the store with over $1,050 worth of merchandise. Troopers said the men ignored commands to stop.
State police said both suspects drove off in a vehicle full of the stolen merchandise.
Troopers followed their vehicle until they stopped at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London.
At that time, both were arrested without incident, and the stolen merchandise was recovered.
The suspects were identified as Bourgeois and Jones.
Bourgeois was charged with fourth-degree larceny.
Jones, the driver, was charged with fourth-degree larceny, second-degree reckless endangerment, and disobeying signal of an officer.