On Monday of this week, the Bridgeport Police were called to the scene of a crime at the Meadowbrook Mall and now they’re hoping the public can assist them. And already, there is at least one good lead in the case.

 

Bridgeport Police Sgt. C.S. Carpenter said the department responded to a shoplifting call at the retail hub on March 5. Unfortunately at that time the suspect in question was unable to be apprehended after the incident at JCPenney.

 

“He got out of the store and when he did he only had one item, which was a piece of clothing,” said Carpenter. “He dropped the item and fled from the loss prevention personnel who had contacted our department.”

 

Upon arrival, Carpenter said a search was done trying to locate the man in question. Carpenter said the parking lot as well as a search of the inside of the mall did not produce the desired results.

 

“We were able to review video of him and we have screen shots that we hope someone can help us with in identifying the suspect,” said Carpenter.

 

The video shows that the suspect is a white male. At the time of the incident, he is wearing a grey hoodie.

 

Already, Carpenter said it’s worked. He said that he has received a “solid lead” based on a call since it was released to the media. He’s hoping to get more.

 

“It is extremely important to see the public willing to help in these cases because we sent it out (Thursday morning) and that developed the lead,” said Carpenter. “I also received a call on a case that was in the media (including Connect-Bridgeport) that has produced a strong lead.”

 

Although Carpenter said the leads are promising in both cases with very strong resemblances, he is encouraging calls to continue. He said it helps regardless of the situation.

 

“Even when we’ve had multiple calls on a suspect that people believe is the same person, sometimes it’s not the person in question and another identity will come in that proves to be the person we’re looking for,” said Carpenter. “It also helps if you get several calls as the result of sending this out because that lets you know you may be on the right track.”

 

Carpenter is asking individuals to call 304-848-6117 and leave a message if he is not available. Individuals can also call 304-842-8260, which is the direct line to the department.