Two people accused of trying to steal merchandise from a Costco in Connecticut using fraudulent credit cards were taken into custody Sunday, according to authorities.
South Windsor police said the incident unfolded at about 3 p.m. at the Costco on Tamarack Avenue.
Investigators identified the suspects as Brittany A. Howard, 35, of the Bronx, New York, and Kasheem M. Williams, 34, of Brooklyn. Police described the pair as suspected serial shoplifters targeting Costco stores.
“Officers responded to Costco (1220 Tamarack Ave) for reports of two shoplifters actively stealing from the store and attempting to pay at the self-checkout with fraudulent credit cards,” SWPD said.
Customers are seen leaving a Costco warehouse with a cart full of merchandise. (iStock)
Authorities said employees at the South Windsor store had already been alerted that the same individuals allegedly tried a similar scheme at a Costco in Enfield, about 30 minutes north.
After the arrests, officers searched the suspects’ vehicle and found 28 stolen financial documents bearing different names, along with merchandise believed to have been taken from the Enfield Costco, police said.
Shoppers gather near the checkout and food court area at a Costco in Queens, New York. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
After the suspects were taken into custody, authorities said both individuals were found to have active out-of-state warrants.
Williams had an extraditable warrant out of Suffolk County, New York, on multiple charges including burglary, strangulation and assault.
Howard was found to have an extraditable warrant out of Hudson County, New Jersey, on credit card theft charges.
A police officer patrols an area in Maryland on Feb. 4, 2026. (iStock)
Both suspects now face additional charges, including 28 counts of payment card theft, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy.
Police said the pair were held on $250,000 surety bonds and were scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court Monday morning.
