Wood Jewelers Thief Captured by Task Force

A man involved in the theft of $11,000 worth of jewelry from Wood Jewelers on Main Street has been captured after a coordinated effort by East Greenwich police and the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force.

Police said Sheldon F. Luther, 60, of Johnston, was recently captured after an investigation that began shortly after Luther walked into the store in late August and grabbed a display with four diamond rings.

Police said Luther walked into the store and ordered an item to be picked up later.

He returned a short time later and while the clerk was distracted, grabbed the display.

Police said before stealing the items, he had told the clerk that he was waiting for his driver “Tom Farrell” to bring cash.

A second suspect did not enter the store but sat on a chair just outside.

Luther was also wanted in connection with an Aug. 27 incident at Claddagh Connection in Seekonk, police said. In that case, he reportedly stole numerous rings when a clerk was distracted.