Crime & Safety
Malden Man Stole $1,400 In Coats From Assembly Row: Police
A man who authorities describe as a "frequent shoplifter" was arrested after running from another customer and police.
MALDEN, MA — A Malden man who authorities say is a "frequent shoplifter" in the Assembly Row area was arrested after stealing $1,400 in coats Friday, according to police. John Elwell, 33, fled Columbia Sports after the theft and was chased by a customer past the train platform, according to the police report.
Officers found Elwell at the intersection of Lombardi Way and Broadway, and he tried evading then by running through several yards, police said. He was caught wearing one of the stolen jackets, according to police.
Elwell stole seven jackets marked at $200 each, police said. The other six were retrieved by the customer who chased Elwell.
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Elwell was charged with larceny over $1,200.
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