Shoplifting suspect flees from Walgreens after confrontation

A suspected shoplifter fled from the a local Walgreens store Sunday afternoon after a confrontation with the manager, police said.

The incident took place shortly after 4 p.m. at the Walgreens store, 740 Villa Avenue, when the manager approached a man who he suspected of shoplifting and told him to return the merchandise to the shelves or he would call police. A struggle ensued when the manager tried to subdue the suspect in a bearhug, but was bitten on the wrist. The man broke free and fled after telling the manager that he had AIDS.

The man was described by the manager as a white male in his mid-40s, about 6 feet tall, medium build, with shoulder-length brown hair, a mustache and wearing a tan jacket and jeans.

Police said the man fled from the scene in a car described as a gray 1993 Mercury Tracer with a male passenger.

The owner of the car has been identified as a Trumbull resident, police said Monday, and an arrest warrant is being applied for.