Sweating Shoplifter Was Tip Off To Police

LOWELL - When Chelmsford police arrived at Kohl's department store on Christmas Eve, they found a man who was sweating profusely and offered him medical aid, according to court documents.

Police even offered Ara Nakkashian, 57, a ride home to his 215 Chelmsford St. apartment.

But during a standard pat down before placing Nakkashian in the police cruiser, officers allege they discovered a good reason for Nakkashian's sweating. The Chelmsford man was wearing a leather jacket with the security tags still on it under his jacket, police allege.

In a large Kohl's shopping bag, police found multiple pieces of clothing , all of them still had security tags, and a few demonstrator bottles of perfume, totaling $258, court documents state.

Nakkashian initially allegedly told police he was holding the bag of stolen goods for his friend, "Linda." But a review of the security video showed Nakkashian arrived alone, carrying the same bag, police allege.

Before entering Kohl's, Nakkashian went into the nearby Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union. He appeared disoriented, looking for his mother, saying he had gifts for her, according to court documents.

Police did drive Nakkahsian home and issued a summons to appear in court.

In Lowell District Court on Thursday, Nakkashian was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty to one count of larceny over $250. His next court date is a pretrial conference on March 29.