Springfield PD arrests shoplifter with felony record, stolen gun from Conn.

SPRINGFIELD — Police responding to a shoplifting complaint Friday arrested a suspect carrying a stolen gun, according to the Springfield Police Department.

Cedrick Simmons, 29, of Springfield, was arrested at about 1:30 p.m. Friday and charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license, being a convicted felon in possession of a gun, a firearm violation with two prior violent offenses or drug crimes, possession of ammunition without a permit and shoplifting. He also had an outstanding warrant for motor vehicle charges, said Ryan Walsh, police spokesman.

Officers were called to the Walmart on Boston Road by store security officers who said two people were "skip-scanning," or pretending to scan items at a checkout but not paying for them. Before they left, the security officers escorted them to an office.

When officers arrived, they searched a bag and backpack the suspects had and found 14 pieces of stolen merchandise and a loaded gun, which had previously been stolen in Connecticut, Walsh said.

The 24-year-old Holyoke woman with Simmons also was charged with shoplifting.

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