Suspected shoplifters found with drugs, needles at Lynn Wal-Mart

LYNN – A couple was arrested Sunday after the man allegedly stole a vacuum from Wal-Mart at about 1 p.m. and the woman tried to return it for a refund without a receipt at about 1:30 p.m.As the pair was detained by store security, police noticed a hypodermic needle was sticking out of the man’s jacket pocket and a small bag of heroin had fallen into a trash barrel, according to police.Larry Porzio, 43, of 1078 Whipple Road, Tewksbury, was arrested and charged with larceny over $250, possession of heroin and four outstanding warrants. According to Lynn District Court records, he pleaded guilty Monday to the heroin charge, which was continued without a finding by Judge Stacey Fortes-White. The larceny charge was dropped.Porzio has been ordered to probation and drug screenings.Brenda Blake, 44, of 485 Fulton St., Medford, was arrested after police found small amounts of heroin, cocaine and marijuana in her pocketbook. She was charged with heroin and cocaine possession and receiving stolen property. She is scheduled for arraignment Thursday.Police responded to the Lynnway box store after employees noticed Porzio had allegedly left the store without paying for a vacuum he was carrying. A short time later, Blake allegedly went back into the store with the vacuum in question and tried to return it for cash. Employees told police Porzio followed Blake into Wal-Mart and was standing a short distance away when she tried to return the vacuum.During police questioning, Blake allegedly admitted that she knew Porzio was going to steal something beforehand but didn’t know what.