Alleged Shoplifters Lead Police on Foot, Car Chases

An alleged shoplifter ran from Roche Bros. in Bay State Commons toward East Main Street, chased -- and ultimately caught -- by a police officer working a detail officer on that road Friday morning.

Meanwhile, the alleged getaway vehicle struck a Westborough Police cruiser on Route 9 in Shrewsbury, Westborough Police said in a press release. Police had chased that car after the driver allegedly refused to stop for the officer. The chase continued after the crash, ending on Randolph Street in Worcester.

Police arrested all three occupants -- the alleged shoplifter's wife, daughter and a friend -- all on multiple charges.

The shoplifting was reported around 10 a.m., police said.

The suspect who allegedly ran through Bay State Commons was James J. Flynn, 40, of 31 Helen Drive, West Boylston.

Police charged him with larceny and shoplifting. Police said they also held him on eight warrants from other communities, "mostly related to shoplifting."

Officer Brian Massey chased Flynn through Bay State Commons, police said.

Then, based on a description of the getaway car, "a 1998 Buick LeSabre with three people inside," Sgt. Jonathan Kalagher saw the vehicle on Route 9 west, police said.

The driver "refused to pull over" at Kalagher's request, police said.

Kalagher chased the car into Shrewsbury, where the car was stuck in traffic at North Quinsigamond Avenue.

"The operator put the vehicle in reverse and struck the right side of Sgt. Kalagher's vehicle," police said.

Police arrested the three occupants:

• Jerilynn C. Flynn, 39, of 31 Helen Drive, West Boylston, charged with larceny and shoplifting. Police also arrested her on 11 outstanding warrants,  mostly for shoplifting, with one for possession of heroin.
• Alexandria M. Cox, 21, of 31 Helen Drive, West Boylston, charged with larceny and shoplifting. Police also arrested her on five outstanding warrants, mostly for shoplifting.
• The driver, Jason Caplette, 33, of 31 Bernard Road, North Grafton, charged with operating after suspension, failure to stop for a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, marked lanes violation, and shoplifting. Police said Caplette "had a medical issue" at the police station. Westborough Fire Department paramedics treated him, and transported him to UMass Medical.