Two Waterbury women suspected in multiple retail thefts were arrested following an alleged shoplifting incident at a Walmart on Saturday.
Officers responded to a Walmart at 910 Wolcott St. on Saturday following a reported shoplifting in progress, according to Sgt. Joseph Morais of the Waterbury Police Department.
It was reported that two women, identified as 42-year-old Christine Eason and 50-year-old Rudonna Legree, were allegedly seen walking through the store taking miscellaneous items, including clothing, food, jewelry and beauty products, removing the price tags and concealing the items inside bags, Morais said.
According to Morais, police learned that Legree is also a suspect in another shoplifting incident that had occurred at the store a day before.
Rudonna Legree (Courtesy of Waterbury Police Department)
Officers reportedly observed Legree and Eason attempting to flee the store while in possession of the alleged stolen merchandise, Morais said. When officers confronted the two women, both allegedly became “resistive and combative,” according to Morais. After a brief struggle, officers were able to detain Legree and Eason.
The value of the alleged stolen merchandise reportedly totaled $701.37, Morais said.
Both women were charged with fifth-degree larceny, second-degree breach of peace and interfering/resisting an officer.
According to Morais, Legree is convicted felon with an extensive criminal history and is currently on probation for several convictions in connection with retail thefts. She was currently released on bond for a firearms arrest that occurred in September.
Christine Eason (Courtesy of Waterbury Police Department)
Waterbury Police Department detectives are investigating several retail thefts and larcenies allegedly involving Legree and Eason. During the alleged larcenies, the pair were observed driving a grey-colored Ford Focus with Connecticut registration BU1423.
Any police departments with similar incidents that may involve the two women are asked to contact the Waterbury Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 203-574-6941.
“The Waterbury Police Department continues working to address patterns of recidivism that the community should be aware of,” Morais said.
