Undercover Sting Turns Up $6,000 In Stolen Spray Paint Guns

NORWOOD, MA — A suspect in a Norwood break-in was arrested during an undercover sting operation at the Emerald Square Mall in North Attleboro, police said.

On Nov. 16, workers at an auto repair shop told police that someone broke into the business and stole $6,000 worth of spray paint guns. Later that month, the owner of the business told police that he found spray paint guns similar to his being sold on eBay.

Police were able to schedule a Thursday afternoon meeting with the suspect, identified as Ruben Cruz of Norwood, at the mall. A Norwood detective was in contact with Cruz as an undercover agent.

Cruz was arrested after allegedly showing the undercover officer two stolen spray guns and offering to sell them. Following the arrest, Cruz gave police more stolen spray paint guns. Police say the suspect worked at the auto repair shop and quit in September.

Cruz was scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Dedham District Court.

Image via Norwood Police Department