Salem Retail Bandits' $41K Spree Ends At Mall: Police

SALEM, NH — Two Massachusetts men accused of stealing $41,000 worth of merchandise from several Salem retail stores over the last few months were caught as they shopped the day after Christmas, according to police. Jeyson Luis Perez, 32, and Hector Arroyo, 49, both of Lawrence, face 43 charges, including organizing a retail crime spree. They were arrested Wednesday at The Mall at Rockingham Park after a police officer on patrol recognized them.

The officer took Perez into custody, at which point Arroyo ran off, according to Salem Police Capt. Joel Dolan. The officer gave chase and caught up with Arroyo, who began to struggle, according to Dolan. The officer hit him with his taser and eventually took Arroyo into custody.

The pair were accused of stealing a huge amount of merchandise from Macy's, Microsoft and other retail stores across town.

"In many of the thefts the males quickly entered the stores, selected merchandise, and fled on foot to a waiting vehicle," Dolan said in a statement. "Most of the thefts lasted only seconds and the suspects would be gone before the police department was notified."

Both men were each charged with 11 counts organizing a retail crime spree and 10 counts of willful concealment. Arroyo was also charged with resisting arrest. Both refused bail and were held in custody pending an arraignment Thursday in Rockingham County Superior Court.

Photo: Mugshots for Jeyson Luis Perez (left) and Hector Arroyo following their arrests on theft charges Dec. 26, 2018, at The Mall at Rockingham Park. (Credit: Salem Police Department)