Apr 26, 2013 2 min read

Two Ukranian men were arrested by North Franklin Township police after reportedly stealing two bottles of perfume Thursday at Macy’s, Washington Crown Center.

Vladmir Kapnik, 21, of Boiling Springs, S.C., was taken into custody shortly after helping his countryman escape while being chased by Macy’s security.

Vitaly Visnyak, 20, also of Boiling Springs, was caught Friday by township police at a home on Cadon Drive in North Franklin.

Police were called to the department store just after 5 p.m. by store security who reported they had a retail theft suspect in custody, said Officer Rodney Bush.

Visnyak allegedly stole perfume from the store. As he was walking with a loss prevention officer back to the security office, Visnyak broke free, Bush said.

The security officer grabbed Visnyak, who pulled away, leaving store security holding the jacket, shirt and ballcap he had been wearing.

In the meantime, Kapnik had gotten in his car and pulled up to one set of doors. Visnyak ran out the doors, jumped into the car and fled, police said.

Both men were seen walking into a room at America’s Best Motel on West Chestnut Street in Canton Township about two hours after the reported theft.

Bush said Kapnik had been staying there while helping a contractor do work at that motel and the Days Inn across the street in North Franklin.

Officers Barry Graham and Zach Martsolf tried to go around to the back of the motel while Bush and Sgt. Dean Urbanic went to the room and knocked on the door.

As Kapnik was answering the door, Visnyak climbed out the bathroom window, Bush said.

After jumping to the ground, Visnyak apparently jumped across a concrete divider and climbed over a fence before fleeing.

Bush said the federal department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement will determine the status of the two men. Kapnik told police he has been in the United States for 10 years.

Kapnik was arraigned Thursday before District Judge David Mark on charges of criminal conspiracy and hindering apprehension.

Visnyak was arraigned Friday before Mark on charges of robbery, retail theft and flight to avoid apprehension.

Kapnik was placed in the Washington County jail on $25,000 bond. Visnyak was placed in jail on $50,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing will be held May 7 before District Judge Robert Redlinger.