Nashua Police Chase at Mall: Getaway Car Crashes

NASHUA, NH — Two Nashua Mall shoplifting suspects were arrested Tuesday after police said they crashed their getaway car in a failed escape attempt. Maurice Wynn, 30, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, and Keisha Celestin, 25, of Everett, Massachusetts, were charged with a host of crimes.

Nashua police Capt. James Testaverde said Officer Dennis Pereira was dispatched to the Kohl's store in the Nashua Mall Tuesday at about 8:30 p.m. Kohl's staff said Wynn tried to steal from the store. Upon seeing Pereira, Wynn ran out to a car with Celestin at the wheel, police said. A struggle ensued and Pereira was dragged for a distance as Celestin drove off but crashed into a parked car, police said. Wynn and Celestin fled on foot but were captured a short time later, police said. Celestin was found in the parking lot of of the state liquor store on Coliseum Avenue and Wynn was found hiding under a deck at a residence on O'Neil's Court.

Pereira was not seriously hurt in the incident, police said.

Wynn was charged with:

• Theft
• Resisting arrest
• Solicitation of reckless conduct
• Marijuana possession

Celestin was charged with:

• Resisting arrest
• Reckless conduct
• Conduct after an accident

Wynn was held on $3,500 bail and Celestin was held on $3,000 pending their arraignments Wednesday in Nashua District Court.

Photo: Maurice Wynn and Keisha Celestin. (Credit: Nashua Police Department)