Off-Duty Winchester Officer Helps Stop Shoplifter in Woburn

An off-duty officer helped  arrest an individual for shoplifting at a department store there.

According to Internet reports, an armed robbery was foiled at  on Saturday by an off-duty out-of-town police officer, who was later confirmed to be Officer Dan Arria, of Winchester. However, Woburn Police confirmed Saturday evening that it was a "simple shoplifting arrest."

According to Officer David Simonds, who transported the individual to the station, one person shoplifted at Kohl's, ran away from officers, but was stopped by Woburn Police. At 6:30 p.m., that person was undergoing the booking process.

Police Chief Robert Ferullo said that three Woburn officers—Officer Michael Pacheco, Officer Dana Gately and Officer Simonds—were involved in the arrest, but all were on duty on Saturday.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., reports of an armed robbery at the Kohl's jewelry counter began to surface on Twitter and Facebook feeds. Just before 6 p.m., reports said that jewelry was recovered outside the store. Later, a report stated that an off-duty Winchester Police officer aided in the arrest. Woburn Police said Saturday only Woburn officers were involved.

At 6:15 p.m., Woburn Police cleared the store's Loss Prevention office and returned to the station. Mike Moura told Woburn Patch that he was at the store shortly after and it was open for business.