BERLIN, CT (WFSB) - A man is accused stealing more than $50,000 worth of items from hardware stores across the state.

Police in Berlin identified the suspect as 36-year-old Hugo Mariera Esquilin and said they needed a Taser to overcome his resistance.

They said they were called to the Harbor Freight store on Webster Square Road in Berlin on Nov. 20 around 11:30 a.m.

When they arrived, police said Esquilin took off on foot.

Following a pursuit and the Taser deployment, Esquilin was taken into custody.

Police said the suspect is known to them and the store.

After a months long investigation into the theft of welders and torque wrenches from the Harbor Freight store in Berlin and around the state, an arrest warrant was obtained.

Police said it charged Esquilin with one count of second-

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