​Three Arrested in two separate incidents for Shoplifting at Target

Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrests of Maytee Castro-Knezevich (22), of Belleville, NJ, for shoplifting on July 27, 2023 and Lakshmi Vuyyoru (28) and Marysravani Gopu (26), both of Jersey City, NJ, for shoplifting on July 29, 2023.

The first incident occurred on July 27, 2023 at approximately 3:27 pm, where officers were dispatched to Target for a report of a shoplifter in custody.  Upon their arrival they located Castro-Knezevich being detained by Target security.  It is alleged that Castro-Knezevich concealed merchandise on her person and attempted to leave the store without paying.  She was stopped and detained at that time by security.  The total amount shoplifted was $342.89.

Officer Patrick Reynolds investigated and placed Castro-Knezevich under arrest for shoplifting.  She was transported to police headquarters, processed and later released pending an October 12, 2023 appearance at the Essex County Superior Court.

The second incident occurred on July 29, 2023 at approximately 10:02 pm, where officers were again dispatched to Target for a report of two shoplifters in custody.  Upon their arrival they located Vuyyoru and Gopu being detained by Target security.  It is alleged that they both approached the self-checkout area, walked to a closed register, took out a receipt that was left in the machine, and then walked past all points of sale in an attempt to leave the store.  It was at this time they were detained by security until police arrival. The total value shoplifted was $450.83.

Officer Cory Perrette investigated and placed Vuyyoru and Gopu under arrest for shoplifting.  They were both transported to headquarters for processing, and charged with shoplifting and conspiracy.  They were both released pending an initial court appearance at the Essex County Superior Court on October 18, 2023.

(Charges are merely allegations until the defendantsare proven guilty or plead guilty in a court of law).

Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)