Fairfield Man Charged With Felony After Home Depot Thefts: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Fairfield man is accused of trying to steal multiple generators from Home Depot, according to police.

Rafael Deoliveira-Mendes, 38, of New England Avenue, was arrested and charged last month with third-degree larceny, a felony, police said.

Deoliveira-Mendes was arrested after officers responded about 12:30 p.m. Jan. 6 to a shoplifting report at Home Depot, 541 Kings Highway Cutoff, according to police.

Deoliveira-Mendes had purchased a generator and brought it to his vehicle about 8 a.m., police said. He then came back a few minutes later, claimed he had not yet picked up the generator and took a second, identical generator, according to police. He later returned the second generator and tried to leave with a third generator, police said.

The third-degree larceny charge indicates Deoliveira-Mendes attempted to steal more than $2,000 worth of generators.

Deoliveira-Mendes is free on a promise to appear in court, according to court records. His arraignment is scheduled for April 23.