BRISTOL — A Stratford man faces multiple charges after allegedly shoplifting from a pharmacy, threatening employees with a knife, and later setting fire to a tent at a homeless encampment.
Christopher Gomez, 33, was arrested Tuesday following incidents that began at the CVS Pharmacy at 60 Middle Street around 2:10 p.m., according to Bristol police.
Witnesses told police Gomez shoplifted merchandise from the store, then returned wielding a knife and caused extensive property damage while threatening employees.
Officers tracked Gomez to a nearby homeless encampment where he was reportedly involved in a second violent altercation.
Witnesses said Gomez was restrained following an assault and later intentionally set fire to a tent, endangering multiple individuals.
Police located Gomez shortly after and took him into custody without further incident.
Gomez, of 72 Ketcham Road, Stratford, was charged with sixth-degree larceny, second-degree criminal mischief, two counts of second-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace and second-degree reckless endangerment.
He was held on $50,000 bond and scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Wednesday.
The investigation remains active and police ask anyone with information to call 860-584-3000.
