2 From Out Of State Steal $95K In Shoplifted Goods: Foxboro PD

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Last weekend, Foxborough officers arrested two people after police said they led officers on a chase and seriously injured a man and his dog. And according to police, those two people were part of an East Coast shoplifting ring that stole more than $9,500 worth of medication, fragrances and personal health items.

Arnold Ludd, 47, of Brooklyn, New York, and Heather Schrembs, 36, of Hagerstown, Maryland, were charged with shoplifting, unlawful possession of a theft shielding device, unlawful possession pf a theft detection activator, receiving stolen property of over $1,200 and under $1,200 and conspiracy. Ludd was also charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, organized retail crime, speeding and marked lane violations.

Police said the chase started around noon Sunday after a report of shoplifting at the CVS Pharmacy at Patriot Place. Officers were given a description of two suspects and were told Ludd was driving a blue Chrysler minivan.

Shortly after the call, police saw the minivan pass them in the opposite direction on North Street. When the officer turned his cruiser around, police said the minivan took off speeding out of the officer's line of sight.

Less than a half mile up the road, police said they found that Ludd and Schrembs were involved in a two-car crash.

The officer didn't see the crash, but the preliminary investigation revealed that the minivan crashed head on with a Honda Ridgeline.

Inside the Honda Ridgeline was a Walpole man and a dog, and both suffered serious injuries. The man had to be airlifted to a Boston area hospital.

His dog was picked up by Foxborough Animal Control and taken to Tufts Veterinary in Walpole. Police said the dog is in critical condition.

Ludd and Schrembs also suffered serious injuries. Both were taken to Boston area hospitals, and the Ludd needed to be airlifted.

Police said the investigation following the crash revealed that Ludd and Schrembs were part of an organized retail theft ring that operates all over New England and up and down the East Coast.

Officers searched the minivan and found more than 300 stolen items, valued at over $9,500 and also seized tools and items commonly used in shoplifting, police said.