This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Two Arrested in Clinton following Shoplifting Spree

Two New York men have been arrested in Clinton for shoplifting more than $10,000 worth of Merchandise from five Clinton Crossing stores and other Connecticut retail stores.

According to a press release from the Clinton Police Department, Manuel Antonio Gutierrez, 30, and Francisco Pantoja, 55, were arrested on May 8 after police received a call that two men were involved in shoplifting at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets using "beater bags," bags that are altered to defeat security sensors.

When police arrived, both suspects were located in a vehicle by Officer Spencer Mangs. Mangs was interviewing the men when one of the men, later identified as Gutierrez, assaulted Mangs with his fist. Mangs was able to apprehend Gutierrez by deploying his Taser.

The second suspect fled on foot and was apprehended by police in the woods behind a residence on Glenwood Road. He was taken into custody and later identified as Pantoja.

Police inventoried the vehicle and found clothing from five stores from Clinton Crossing and other Connecticut retail stores. The merchandise was valued at approximately $10,000.

Gutierrez, of Washington, New York, was charged with assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, organized retail theft, and numerous counts of larceny and conspiracy. It was also determined that he was wanted by U.S. Immigration on a deportation order.

Pantoja, of Queens, New York, was charged with interfering with a police officers, organized retail theft, and numerous counts of larceny and conspiracy. He was also wanted by U.S. Immigation on a deportation order.

Both men were held on $50,000 bonds and appeared in Middletown Superior Court on Wednesday, May 9.