Two are charged with shoplifting of Blu-ray discs from Sears

[Tekman]

BURLINGTON — If anyone is going to steal items and plan their getaway, maybe they should do it with a vehicle with a full gas tank — at least that was the lesson learned by a man and woman Tuesday, as their failure to do so led to their arrests.

Burlington Police, with the help of Wilmington and State Police, arrested Jamie Gallagher, 27, of Brighton, and Michael Leone, 26, of Billerica, around noon Tuesday after they had stopped at a self-service gas station in Wilmington to fill up.

The arrest took place not far from the Reading line.

The two are charged with shoplifting in connection with the theft of Blu-Ray discs from Sears at the Burlington Mall, according to Burlington Detective Anne Marie Browne, who played a role in the arrests.

Browne said she learned of the theft while in the area, investigating another case.

"I was working on another case and I just happened to be there," said Browne, in a telephone interview Tuesday. "Basically, I just overheard the transmission (of the incident over the police radio), and I notified other units."

Browne, in an unmarked vehicle, said she then followed the car as it headed onto Route 128 North, and then onto Route 93 North to Wilmington.

The suspects, Browne said, were unaware they were being followed by the detective. She said she was not "in pursuit" of the car, but just kept it within "approach" range while other units were notified.

"I just kept them in sight so someone else could make the stop," Browne said. "There were two people in the car. It would not have been a smart decision if I attempted to make the stop alone."

State and Wilmington Police arrived at the gas station as the suspects pulled in, Browne said.

Also investigating from Burlington were Patrolman David Outerbridge, who transported the pair back to town, and Sgt. Robert Downer


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