Police: Couple Shoplifted with Baby on Board

A young couple was charged for larceny after allegedly stealing more than $150 worth of items from Walmart while carrying around their 1-month-old child, police said.

Stratford police responded to the Walmart at 150 Barnum Avenue Cutoff on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 4:49 p.m. Police reports said Walmart staff was holding a couple for shoplifting.

Upon arrival, police said they were shown video surveillance of the couple allegedly removing baby formulas, baby clothing and cosmetic items from the shelves and placing them in the infant's diaper bag, all while one of the parents held the 1-month-old baby, reports said. 

The couple, Garfield Howell, 22, of 170 West Ave., Stratford, and Sophia Hatzivasiliadis, 21, of 1020 Maplewood Ave., Bridgeport, allegedly stole $159.34 worth of items after they paid for some items at the checkout counter, reports said. Police said a surveillance video showed the couple was apprehended after exiting the store.

Police said Howell had an outstanding warrant against him for third-degree larceny.

Both Howell and Hatzivasiliadis were charged for sixth-degree larceny and released on a promise to appear for a court appearance on Oct. 12.

Questions about this police report may be directed to jason.bagley@patch.com.