How an $11K Ulta® Theft Turned Into a Multi-State Manhunt

By Melissa M.. Sep 12, 2024

A brazen heist at an Ulta^® Beauty store in Meriden, Connecticut, has landed a 22-year-old New York man in serious legal trouble. With $11,000 worth of merchandise stolen, the crime quickly escalated into a multi-state pursuit involving various law enforcement agencies.

The Heist and the Getaway

On Aug. 27, 2023, Jebocka Perkins, along with three women, walked into an Ulta Beauty store in Meriden. The group wore surgical masks and carried bags that would soon be filled with high-value perfumes and other beauty products. After loading their bags with the stolen goods, the group quickly fled the scene, driving away in a vehicle with New Jersey plates.

The Pursuit Begins

The theft set off a statewide alert, and Connecticut State Police soon spotted the getaway vehicle. However, when officers attempted to stop the car, the suspects refused to comply, speeding off and eventually losing the police in the New Canaan area. The escape was short-lived, though, as New York State Police were notified and later spotted the car. Despite another attempt to flee, the suspects crashed, leading to the arrest of two occupants at the scene.

The Arrest and Charges

Perkins, identified as a Peekskill, New York, resident, was among those apprehended after the crash. He was later taken into custody by Westchester County Police and subsequently extradited back to Connecticut. Once in Meriden, he was formally charged with organized retail theft, second-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny. Perkins was held on a $51,000 bond, and additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

What’s Next?

As the investigation unfolds, more details may emerge about the involvement of the other suspects and the scope of the organized theft operation. With over $11,000 in stolen goods already recovered, authorities are focused on bringing all responsible parties to justice.

References: Meriden police: Man charged in $11,000 Ulta beauty store heist | Man Nabbed In Westchester After Stealing Over $11K In Beauty Products From Store: Police