NL police charge man in CVS theft

New London — Police charged a West Haven man with multiple crimes Sunday after he was spotted stealing items and fought with an officer during an arrest.

Police say Louis Masselli, 36, was filling a bag with “high end items” to steal at the CVS on Bank Street around 6:10 p.m. when a store employee called police. When an officer arrived, police said a lookout called Masselli and alerted him to the police presence. Masselli tried to run and fought with the officer who attempted to restrain him.

Backup arrived and police were eventually able to handcuff Masselli and charge him with attempted fifth-degree larceny, two counts of second-degree larceny, two counts of second-degree breach of peace, assault on an officer, interfering with an officer, second-degree forgery and criminal impersonation.

New London police said other police agencies are applying for arrests warrants for Masselli, who police believe may have committed similar crimes in their respective towns.

According to online court records, Masselli has numerous convictions for similar crimes throughout the state, dating back to 2002. Police said Masselli is held on $25,000 bond and appeared in court Monday morning.