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FAIRFIELD, Conn.A Bridgeport woman was arrested Friday afternoon after leading a Fairfield Police officer on a chase across town. Police say Diana L. Eldredge, 42, of Harborview Avenue, attempted to avoid a shoplifting charge by driving recklessly through Bridgeport and Fairfield.
Security staff at Kohls department store on Tunxis Hill Road told police they saw Eldredge enter a changing room at about 2:30 p.m. Friday carrying multiple items of mens clothing. When she left the room, the merchandise was not visible, and not left behind in the changing room. Eldredge then attempted to leave the store, police said.
A security officer approached Eldredge in the parking lot and asked her to return to the store, telling her the police were there. The staff member told police that she then said I dont give a (expletive), and got in her car. Eldredge then drove away, nearly hitting a police car in the process, police said.
Police pursued her into Bridgeport, and then onto Interstate 95 south. When she left the highway at the North Benson Road exit, police finally managed to stop her on Kinnie Drive in Fairfield.
Police say Eldredge has a history of similar incidents, and has been arrested 54 times in the past. They also consider her a suspect in shoplifting cases at Marshalls the same day and at Kohls a week before Fridays incident. She could not be located for a comment.
Eldredge was charged with fifth-degree larceny, interfering with an officer, reckless driving and other motor vehicle infractions. She was released Friday evening on a $2,500 bond. She is due in court Aug. 5.
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