Walmart Shoplifter Caught Following Multi-Town Armed Pursuit
Oxford Mass. - An 18-year-old Southbridge man was arrested after attempting to shoplift from Walmart and leading police on a multi-town armed pursuit Sunday evening.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 5th, 2023, the Oxford Police Department received a call for reports of a shoplifter who brandished a knife when confronted by Walmart asset protection staff. Minutes later units arrived on the scene at the Oxford Walmart, 742 Main St, and initiated a pursuit into the town of Auburn.
According to the Oxford Police Department, when the suspect found himself cornered [with Oxford and Auburn Police Officers approaching from both directions] he abandoned his vehicle and fled into the woods attempting to elude officers.
Following a brief area search by multiple departments, the suspect surrendered via phone and Auburn Police were able to safely take him into custody on Albert St. He was then transferred into custody of the Oxford Police Department and transported to the Oxford Police Department to be charged with: Shoplifting by Asportation, Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Knife), Fail to Stop for Police, and Operation of a Motor vehicle with license suspended.
Agencies that responded, or were dispatched, included the: Oxford Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Charlton Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police.
In accordance with Quiet Corner Alerts policy, the name of the suspect has been withheld.