MANCHESTER –– Two New York residents were arrested Wednesday, August 16, in connection with a retail theft at the Ralph Lauren Factory Store on Depot Street, according to the Manchester Police Department (MPD).
At approximately 4:30 p.m., officers were alerted to the theft involving three individuals who fled on foot. MPD officers arrived on the scene and initiated a search, apprehending a female suspect after a brief foot chase.
Despite the use of K9 units from both MPD and the Winhall Police and Rescue Department, additional suspects were not immediately located.
At around 8:30 p.m., a local resident alerted the police to a man exiting the woods in the previously searched area.
Officers subsequently located and arrested the man, determined to be a participant in the earlier theft. The driver of the vehicle that picked up the suspect was also taken into custody, though he is not believed to have been involved in the theft.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Jason Walker, 45, of Amsterdam, New York, and Aime Chabot, 40, of Schenectady, New York.
They are charged with grand larceny and providing false information to law enforcement, with Chabot also facing charges of resisting arrest and attempted escape. Walker has additionally been charged as a fugitive from justice.
A third suspect, Stephen Peterson, 49, of Halfmoon, New York, remains at large. He is wanted for providing false information to law enforcement and being an accessory after the fact.
The MPD praised community members for their assistance, which led to the recovery of most of the stolen items and the arrest of two suspects.
The MPD was assisted on the scene by the Winhall Police and Rescue Department, Bennington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Northshire Rescue Squad.
