Pair Arrested in Southbury for Shoplifting, Drug Possession — One Suspect Wore Wig to Disguise Identity
SOUTHBURY, CT – Two suspects are facing multiple charges after a bizarre shoplifting incident at a Southbury Stop & Shop on August 9, 2025, led police to uncover drug possession and a disguised identity.
Police arrested 57-year-old Gwendolyn Lee and 31-year-old Angel Mercado after they allegedly stole a grocery cart full of unbagged items without paying. Officers responded to reports of “two women” fleeing the store. However, they later discovered that one of the suspects, Mercado, had been wearing a blond wig to conceal his identity.
Officers located Lee pushing the cart at the intersection of Main Street North and Main Street South. She admitted to stealing the items and was arrested without incident. Police also found suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia on her.
Mercado was found shortly after in a nearby Shell gas station parking lot. He attempted to run but was quickly apprehended. Officers say they found more suspected crack cocaine and paraphernalia in his possession.
Mercado was charged with sixth-degree larceny, drug possession, use of drug paraphernalia, and interfering with an officer. He was also wanted on a warrant for a probation violation. His bond was set at $25,000, and he appeared in court Tuesday in Waterbury.
Lee faces charges of sixth-degree larceny, possession of a controlled substance, and use of drug paraphernalia. She was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury court on August 20.
