Three people have been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $2,600 worth of products from a pharmacy in Griswold, Connecticut, according to state police. The theft reportedly happened on May 25 at a local pharmacy located on Voluntown Road, and the suspects were later tracked down and taken into custody.
Connecticut State Police said they were called to the scene around 3:45 p.m. after the store manager reported that multiple people had just stolen a large amount of merchandise. The suspects had left the store before officers arrived, but troopers quickly began a search operation based on descriptions provided by witnesses and surveillance footage.
Soon after, police located a vehicle matching the description given by the store. Troopers conducted a traffic stop and found the stolen items inside the car, confirming the connection to the earlier theft. All three individuals inside the vehicle were arrested on the spot.
Authorities identified the suspects as 33-year-old Samantha Torres, 34-year-old Anthony Johnson, and 30-year-old Miguel Diaz. All three are residents of nearby areas in Connecticut. They now face several charges, including larceny in the third degree, conspiracy to commit larceny, and possession of a controlled substance. Police added that additional charges could be filed after a further investigation.
According to investigators, the stolen items included over-the-counter medications, beauty and skincare products, and other high-value retail goods typically found in pharmacies. Police also found small quantities of narcotics inside the suspects’ vehicle, which led to the drug possession charges. The street value of the stolen merchandise was estimated to be around $2,600, but officials say the total could increase as inventory is verified by the store.
The Connecticut State Police praised the store’s quick reporting and the collaborative effort by troopers in swiftly locating the suspects. “Thanks to the store’s timely call and the rapid response from our officers, we were able to recover the stolen property and bring the individuals responsible into custody within a short time frame,” said a spokesperson for the department.
All three suspects were taken to Troop E in Montville for processing. They were held on bond and appeared in Norwich Superior Court on May 28. During the court hearing, the judge set bond amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the charges and criminal history of each suspect.
Court records show that at least one of the suspects, Anthony Johnson, has a history of prior theft-related offenses. This fact may impact his legal proceedings and sentencing if convicted. The case is still active, and the suspects are expected to return to court next month.
Residents of Griswold expressed concern about the rise in retail thefts in the area. “It’s scary to think that someone would just walk into a local business and take that much stuff,” said one local resident. “We all rely on these stores for our everyday needs, and crimes like this just make things harder for everyone.”
The Connecticut State Police said they are continuing to work with local law enforcement and the store’s management team to review surveillance video and ensure all stolen items have been recovered. They also reminded businesses to report suspicious activity promptly and encouraged stores to invest in upgraded security measures where possible.
Retail theft has become a growing issue across Connecticut and the country in recent years, with many stores experiencing significant losses due to organized theft rings and individuals targeting high-value merchandise. Law enforcement agencies are responding with increased patrols, community awareness efforts, and stronger coordination with local businesses.
In this case, the rapid coordination between store staff and police made a major difference in catching the suspects quickly and recovering stolen goods. Authorities say they hope this serves as a warning to others considering similar crimes: “We take retail theft seriously, and we will use every available tool to hold offenders accountable.”
