2 Charged in Walmart Theft, 'Carjacking,' Chase, Police Say

Two Allentown men are in custody following a police chase that began Friday in Lower Macungie after one man stole baby formula from the Walmart in the township then lied that his vehicle had been carjacked, state police at Fogelsville said.

The chase ended in Allentown, with police taking the second man who fled in the vehicle into custody at Seventh and Union streets, police said.

Hector Vincente Rosa, 42, and Stephen "NMN" Rodriguez, 34, face charges that include retail theft and fleeing and eluding, police said. 

According to police, both men arrived at the Walmart at 5:45 p.m. Friday in the same vehicle, based on the store's video surveillance. One of the men went into the store and allegedly stole 18 cans of baby formula, a Walmart hand basket and reusable bag while the other waited in the vehicle.

The man who allegedly stole the items fled the store then lied to police that the other man had robbed him of his vehicle, police said.

South Whitehall police gave chase when it spotted the vehicle traveling north on Route 222 and attempted to stop it. The vehicle went into Allentown, and the driver left the car and fled on foot but was apprehended, police said.

A videotape from Walmart showed the two men had arrived together at the store's parking lot in the vehicle, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 610-395-1438.