Purse Snatching Suspect Stole Needy Kid’s Gifts 2 Years Ago

MANCHESTER, NH — A former Concord resident now living in the Queen City was arrested last night after a shoplifting incident at a drug store – and then, police realized he was the same man wanted for a purse theft last weekend. Hector Lito Rodriguez, 23, of Manchester, was arrested on Dec. 20, 2017, for theft by unauthorized taking and a warrant. At just before 7:30 p.m. last night, officers in Manchester were sent to Rite Aid on McGregor Street for a report of a shoplifting incident, according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department.

Editor's Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

“(The officer) spoke with the loss prevention officer who detained a man for allegedly concealing several bags of M&M’s before exiting the store,” O’Keefe stated.

The man allegedly gave the officer a false name and birth date but he was able to positively identify him as Rodriguez.

“Rodriguez was wanted for stealing a purse from Catholic Medical Center on Sunday,” O’Keefe stated. “(A) detective worked on the stolen purse case and was able to positively identify and prepare a warrant for Rodriguez within 24 hours of the crime thanks to the many crime tips provided by the public.”

Rodriguez was arrested and held. He was arraigned this morning in Hillsborough County Superior Court-North.

Rodriguez is no stranger to police, according to reports on Patch. He was arrested on a burglary charge in 2015, after breaking into the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and stealing gift cards from the Operation Santa Claus fundraising effort. He and James Pechacek were arrested after getting caught cashing the gift cards. During the past few years, he has been arrested other charges including driving charges, theft charges, and warrants.

Image via Manchester Police.