Two Women Arrested in Walmart Shoplifting, Linked to Multiple Thefts

URGENT UPDATE: Two women from Waterbury, Connecticut, were arrested Saturday following an alleged shoplifting incident at a Walmart, and authorities suspect them in numerous other thefts. Officers responded to the Walmart located at 910 Wolcott St. after reports of shoplifting in progress.

According to Sgt. Joseph Morais of the Waterbury Police Department, the suspects, identified as 42-year-old Christine Eason and 50-year-old Rudonna Legree, were reportedly seen taking items such as clothing, food, jewelry, and beauty products. They allegedly removed price tags and concealed the items in bags before attempting to flee the store with merchandise valued at $701.37.

Police were notified of the situation and quickly intervened, witnessing Eason and Legree attempting to escape with stolen goods. Upon confronting the women, both reportedly became “resistive and combative.” After a brief struggle, officers successfully detained them.

Legree has an extensive criminal history, including multiple convictions related to retail theft, and is currently on probation. She was also released on bond for a firearms-related arrest in September. This incident marks a continuing pattern of thefts involving both women, as investigators have linked them to prior retail larcenies.

Detectives are actively investigating other thefts believed to involve Eason and Legree. During these incidents, they reportedly used a grey Ford Focus with Connecticut registration number BU1423. Police urge any departments encountering similar theft cases 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,” said Sgt. Morais. This statement highlights the ongoing efforts to combat repeat offenses and enhance community safety.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.