On October 2, 2020, I, Officer Tim Van Nostrand, was on duty and assigned to uniform patrol of Assembly Row. At 6:37pm, I was dispatched along with Officer Alex Lorenti (East 1) for a shoplifter fleeing from Home Depot. The reporting party, Loss prevention Associate XXXX, stated an Asian male wearing a blue jacket and shorts shoplifted, and was running through the parking lot. XXXX followed and updated dispatch with the location of the suspect.
Officer Lorenti encountered the suspect on Canal St outside of the Montaje Garage. The suspect was uncooperative, and Officer Lorenti placed him in handcuffs to prevent further flight. I arrived shortly thereafter and spoke with XXXX.
XXXX stated the suspect entered Aisle 17 and selected two Milwaukee Drill Combo Kits valued at $688.50. Utilizing a box cutter, the suspect removed the barcodes and security wrap from the products, and exited via the main entrance without paying. XXXX identified himself, and asked the suspect to return to the loss prevention office. The suspect refused and began running.
I attempted to identify the suspect, but he refused to give his true name. I searched the suspect, and could not locate any type of identification. I informed him once again that if he provided his true name and information, he would be released. Again, the suspect refused to cooperate. I then requested the prisoner transport vehicle, and informed the suspect he was under arrest for Larceny under $1,200, and Removal of a theft detection device. The box cutter used to defeat the theft detection device was secured and entered into evidence.
Officer Desrochers transported the suspect to the station for booking where he identified himself as XXXX with a date of birth of XXXX. After being fingerprinted, his true identity of Cong Nguyen XXXX was discovered, and a warrant was located for Shoplifting by Asportation (Docket 1658CR00206). A charge furnishing false information during an arrest has also been added.
Respectfully submitted,
Officer Tim Van Nostrand
#293
Somerville Police Dept.