FAIRFIELD, CT — Two town police officers were injured on Tuesday as they apprehended shoplifting suspects who had active warrants for their arrests, police say.
In a news release Wednesday, the Fairfield Police Department said Amanda Belcher, a 41-year old Bridgeport woman, was charged with assault of a public safety officer, interfering with an officer, first-degree criminal trespass, fourth-degree larceny, second-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, evading responsibility, misuse of plates, failure to insure a motor vehicle, operating an unregistered vehicle, unsafe backing and driving the wrong way on a divided highway.
Police said James Coates, a 49-year-old Milford man, was charged with interfering with an officer, first-degree criminal trespass and conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny.
Their arrests stem from an incident at the Home Depot on Kings Highway Cutoff at about 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, police said, when officers received a report of two known shoplifters entering the store — Belcher and Coates. They said the pair had been previously warned not to return to the store.
Police said Coates and Belcher had several active warrants for their arrests from multiple jurisdictions, including Fairfield, Greenwich, Shelton, Connecticut State Police, Darien, Naugatuck and Ansonia.
Upon arrival, police said, officers observed the suspects attempting to leave with over $1,200 in merchandise they had not paid for. They said Belcher fled on foot through the parking lot, pursued by a uniformed Fairfield Police Officer.
Police said Belcher entered a vehicle in the parking lot and, despite the officer's attempt to pull her from the vehicle, she was able to start it and accelerate in reverse, dragging the officer. They said she collided with another vehicle during her escape, placing the officer in "significant danger" before the officer managed to free herself.
During the altercation, police said, the officer's cellphone fell into Belcher's vehicle and the officer's velco name patch was torn off. They said she continued fleeing from the parking lot, prompting a coordinated effort to locate her.
At the same time, police said, Coates fled through the parking lot toward Meadowbrook Road. They said a resident reported an unknown individual matching his description hiding in their backyard.
Police said officers found Coates and attempted to take him into custody, but he resisted arrest and refused to comply with officers' commands. They said a Taser was used on him, and he was taken into custody without further injuries to anyone.
Belcher was later located at Sunnyside Hotel in Bridgeport by Fairfield detectives, working alongside the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force, police said. She was taken into custody at about 9 p.m., they said, adding she destroyed the officer's cellphone in an attempt to prevent police from locating her.
Police said officers later determined that Belcher had been involved in an accident after fleeing police, having crashed on Meadow Street near Sunset Avenue behind the Lexus dealership. She fled that scene as well, they said.
Coates and Belcher were also charged with several larceny, conspiracy and violation of probation charges from their outstanding arrest warrants, police said.
Two officers sustained minor injuries during the encounter, police said, adding they were treated by medical crews at the scene.
"Our officers face unpredictable and often dangerous situations, but their professionalism and dedication always shine through," Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras said. "Each officer involved in this incident exemplified the highest standards of public service, and their actions reflect the values we uphold every day in Fairfield. We commend each of them for their bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community."
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