**Two Women Arrested in Walmart Shoplifting Spree, Suspected in Other Thefts**

BREAKING: Two women have been arrested following an alleged shoplifting incident at a Walmart in Waterbury, Connecticut, raising concerns about a string of recent retail thefts in the area. The incident occurred at approximately 2 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Walmart located at 910 Wolcott St.

Officers from the Waterbury Police Department swiftly responded to reports of two women, 42-year-old Christine Eason and 50-year-old Rudonna Legree, seen stealing items including clothing, food, jewelry, and beauty products. According to Sergeant Joseph Morais, the suspects were observed removing price tags and concealing the goods in bags.

The situation escalated when both women attempted to flee the store with merchandise valued at $701.37. Officers confronted them, leading to a brief struggle as the women allegedly resisted arrest. They were ultimately detained without further incident.

Legree, who has an extensive criminal history and is reportedly a convicted felon, is currently on probation for prior retail theft convictions. She was also released on bond for a firearms-related arrest in September.

Waterbury Police are now investigating multiple retail theft incidents linked to Eason and Legree. Detectives have determined that during previous thefts, the pair were driving a grey Ford Focus with Connecticut registration BU1423.

Officials are urging any police departments that have experienced similar thefts involving these women 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,” stated Sergeant Morais.

With rising concerns over retail theft, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local law enforcement and retailers. Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds and authorities work to curb criminal activity in the area.