FAIRFIELD, CT – On September 24, 2024, at approximately 7:35 PM, the Fairfield Police Department responded to Home Depot, 541 Kings Highway Cutoff, Fairfield, CT, following a report of two known shoplifters inside the store. The suspects, identified as Amanda Belcher (DOB 03/01/1983) and James Coates (DOB 05/13/1975), had been previously warned not to return to the store.
Home Depot loss prevention recognized both individuals and alerted police. The Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center confirmed that both Belcher and Coates had several active warrants for their arrests from multiple jurisdictions, including Fairfield, Greenwich, Shelton, the Connecticut State Police, Darien, Naugatuck, and Ansonia.
Upon arrival, officers observed the suspects attempting to leave with over $1,200 in stolen merchandise. Amanda Belcher fled on foot through the parking lot, pursued by a uniformed Fairfield Police Officer. Belcher entered a vehicle in the parking lot, and despite the officer’s attempt to pull her from the vehicle, she was able to start it and accelerate in reverse, dragging the officer. Belcher collided with another vehicle during her escape, placing the officer in significant danger before the officer managed to free herself. During the altercation, the officers cell phone fell into Belcher’s vehicle and the officer’s velco name patch was torn off. Belcher continued fleeing from the parking lot, prompting a coordinated effort to locate her.
Meanwhile, James Coates fled through the parking lot toward Meadowbrook Road. A vigilant resident reported an unknown individual matching Coates' description hiding in their backyard. Officers located Coates and attempted to take him into custody, but he resisted arrest. After Coates failed to comply with officers' commands, a Taser was deployed, allowing officers to safely place him into custody, preventing further injury to both Coates and the officers involved.
Fairfield Detectives, working alongside the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force, were able to quickly locate Belcher at the Sunnyside Hotel in Bridgeport, CT. She was taken into custody at approximately 8:58 PM. Belcher was found to have destroyed the officer’s cell phone in an
attempt to further prevent police from locating her. Additionally, the officer’s velcro name patch was found in Belcher’s possession.
It was later determined that after Belcher fled the parking lot of Home Depot, she was involved in a vehicle crash on Meadow Street near Sunset Ave behind the Lexus dealership, which she also fled.
Amanda Belcher (DOB 03/01/1983) of Bridgeport, CT, and James Coates (DOB 05/13/1975) of Milford, CT, were arrested and charged as follows in relation to this incident:
Amanda Belcher (DOB 03/01/1983) was charged with the following and held on a $75,000 bond:
• 53a-167c Assault of a Public Safety Personnel
• 53a-167a Interfering with an Officer
• 53a-107 Criminal Trespass 1st Degree
• 53a-125 Larceny in the 4th Degree
• 53a-116 Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree
• 14-222(a) Reckless Driving
• 14-224(b)(3) Evading Responsibility
• 14-147(c) Misuse of Plates
• 38a-371 Failure to Insure a MV
• 14-12(a)* Operating Unregistered
• 14-243(b) Unsafe Backing
• 14-237 Driving Wrong Way on Divided Highway
James Coates (DOB 05/13/1975) was charged with and held on a $10,000 bond:
• 53a-167a Interfering with an Officer
• 53a-107 Criminal Trespass 1st Degree
• 53a-48/53a-125 Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the 4th Degree
Both suspects are repeat offenders and were subject to numerous arrest warrants from several other jurisdictions.
Belcher was additionally charged on several warrants with the following:
• 53a-32 Violation of Probation
• 53a-125b Larceny 6th Degree
• 53a-48/53a-125b Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 6th Degree
• 53a-125a Larceny 5th Degree (2 instances)
• 53a-48/53a-125a Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 5th Degree (2 instances)
Coates was additionally charged on several warrants with the following:
• 53a-32 Violation of Probation
• 53a-125a Larceny 5th Degree (2 instances)
• 53a-48/53a-125a Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 5th Degree (2 instances)
• 53a-48/53a-125b Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 6th Degree
Belcher was issued a court appearance date of October 9, 2024 and Coates was assigned October 8, 2024, both at Bridgeport Superior Court.
During this incident, two Fairfield Police Officers sustained minor injuries and were evaluated by AMR ambulance on the scene. This incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by our officers every day as they strive to keep our community safe.
"Our officers face unpredictable and often dangerous situations, but their professionalism and dedication always shine through. Each officer involved in this incident exemplified the highest standards of public service, and their actions reflect the values we uphold every day in Fairfield. We commend each of them for their bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community."
Video available here.
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Amanda Belcher (DOB 03/01/1983)
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James Coates (DOB 05/13/1975)