Stoneham Officer Dragged By Shoplifting Suspects: Police

STONEHAM, MA — Two people were arrested after a reported shoplifting and police pursuit that resulted in a Stoneham officer being dragged, police said. Officers were called to Famous Footwear on Main Street around 11 a.m. and spoke with the clerk, who told them a suspect entered the store and walked up to the counter with several items.

Police said the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old James Rogers, of Mashpee, fled the store in a gray Kia sedan after a verbal altercation with the clerk. Rogers had several pairs of shoes and accessories, police said.

The car, driven by 37-year-old Marquise Henry, of Dorchester, fled south on Main Street toward Montvale Avenue, police said. Two Stoneham officers working a detail on Montvale Avenue tried to stop the car, which dragged one of the officers a short distance down the street.

The officer was not seriously injured, police said.

The car fled onto I-93 South while being chased by a third Stoneham officer, police said. Police stopped chasing the car over safety concerns and notified other law enforcement agencies in the area.

Massachusetts State Police arrested the pair at the Paul Revere Park in Charlestown after crashing near the State Police Marine Unit headquarters. Henry was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon (to wit motor vehicle), reckless operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and marked lanes violation.

Rogers was charged with shoplifting. Rogers was released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from Famous Footwear. Henry is being held on $500 bail pending arraignment Tuesday.