Suspected Shoplifter Caught With Machete

Westport police found a 2-foot machete in the car of a Bridgeport man suspected of stealing from the CVS at 397 Post Road East, Lt. Jerry Shannon said in a release. Around 11:26 a.m., police received a call of a larceny in progress at the store. A CVS employee watched the suspect, Jose Fontanze, as he left the store, went across the street to the Trader Joe's parking lot, and left his car. Moments later, the CVS employee saw Fontanze, 34, leave the parking lot heading east in an older model Honda.

After a description of Fontanze and the car was broadcast, two officers spotted the car in the area of 1200 Post Road East. According to reports, Fontanze pulled into the back lot of Honda of Westport and attempted to hide his car behind a row of new cars

In addition to the machete, police found over $200 in personal-care products, taken from CVS, in his possession. Fontanze is charged with sixth-degree larceny, weapons in a motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle under suspension. He is being held on a $10,000 bond and is due in court on Sept. 14.

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