Crime & Safety
Man Returns to Jewelry Store to Retrieve Cell Phone, Arrested for Stealing Jewelry
A man was arrested at a jewelry store after he returned to it to retrieve his cell phone.
WORCESTER, MA — A Boston man is facing shoplifting charges after allegedly taking a tray of silver and gold chains, and then returning to the store to get a cell phone he had left behind.
On Monday, April 25, around 12:52 p.m., a Worcester police officer working the city hall foot patrol responded to a larceny call at City Jewelry at 507 Main Street.
Dispatchers told police that one of the two suspects who fled the store with some jewelry was back inside the store trying to get a cell phone he had left behind. The owner of the store locked the door to prevent the suspect from getting to his phone.
Officers spotted a man on Main Street near the 7-11 Convenience Store who fit the description of the suspect, and ran off when the officer tried to talk with him. Several other officers joined in a foot chase after him through Worcester Common, eventually ending up inside the front doors to 100 Front St.
The male, identified as Leshawn Parrish, 34, of 5 Regina Road, Boston, allegedly resisted the officers' attempts at placing him handcuffs. He was eventually subdued.
A witness was transported to the scene of apprehension and positively identified Parrish as one of the two suspects who took the jewelry.
On security footage, officers say they saw Parrish purposely distracting the owner so that a second person could reach over the counter and grab a tray full of silver and gold chains. The owner was unaware of the theft until a witness informed him, said police. The witness stated that the two suspects were seen splitting the score outside on Main Street.
During the foot chase, Parrish was seen throwing items into the sewer drain by the entrance to 100 Front Street.
Worcester DPW was called to the scene to assist the officers in retrieving the items.
Officers found in Parrish's backpack three containers of marijuana, a scale and $805 in cash.
Parrish was charged with larceny in a Building, Disorderly, Disturbing the Peace, Resisting Arrest and possession of Class D Substance with the Intent to Distribute.
Parrish was arraigned on Tuesday at the Worcester County District Courthouse.
Police continue to look into the identity of the second suspect, if anyone has information about this incident they can send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + your message or send an anonymous web based message at worcesterma.gov/police. Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651.
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