Off-Duty Stamford Police Officer Chases, Tackles Shoplifter In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — An off-duty Stamford police officer was in the right place at the right time in Fairfield.

An off-duty police officer tackled a shoplifting suspect at Home Depot Saturday.
Photo Credit: *Salvatore Trifilio/File*

10/19/2015 12:30 p.m.

The officer was in the parking lot of Home Depot, 541 Kings Highway Cut-Off, when he heard the store’s security sirens and saw a man running from the store on Saturday, police said.

He chased the man, tackled him and handcuffed him, according to police.

Police arrested the man, who was identified as Justin Russ of Bridgeport. He was listed as homeless, according to the police report.

Russ attempted to shoplift two nail guns from the store, according to police.

Russ had active warrants in New Canaan, Berlin and Bridgeport. He was charged with fifth-degree larceny, according to police.

Police did not have information on his bond available. His court date is Oct. 28, according to police.

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