Three Charged in Walmart Incident in Which Shoplifting Suspect Pulled Out a Knife

Three males are in custody after a Monday afternoon Walmart shoplifting incident during which one of the men pulled out a knife, Avon police said.

The three were allegedly attempting to shoplift around 2:30 p.m. Monday when "loss prevention" personnel at the store approached them, Lt. Kelly Walsh said. One suspect pulled out a knife and dropped it as he ran off to a car with another suspect, police said. No one was in any imminent danger from the weapon, police said. 

The third suspect remained in store custody and the other two were apprehended a short time later when officers stopped the car in front of the Avon Police Department on Route 44. 

Charged were: 

• Gilberto Vazquez-Reyes, 46, of 465 New Britain Ave., Hartford, was charged with conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, disobeying the signal of an officer the first time, interfering with an officer, operating a motor vehicle without a license, possession/use of drug paraphernalia, possession of narcotics and reckless driving. 
• Carlos Lopez, 33, of 160 New Britain Ave., Hartford, was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, possession/use of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotics.
• Anthony Marrero, 25, of 150 Babcock St., Hartford, was charged with conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, possession/use of drug paraphernalia, possession of narcotics and first-degree robbery.

All are due in court today.