SOUTHBRIDGE — A 28-year-old woman was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly shoplifting from a supermarket and later resisting arrest when officers attempted to apprehend her at a residence.
Officers responded to Big Bunny Supermarket at approximately 6:15 p.m. Aug. 23 for a reported shoplifting incident.
Police were advised that the suspect had exited the store with a cart full of unpaid merchandise.
Officers reviewed surveillance footage and identified the suspect as Maria P. Gutierrez based on prior incidents.
Police responded to a residence on Langlois Avenue to locate Gutierrez, but she had fled the area on foot.
With assistance from K9 “Vice,” officers conducted an extensive search of the area.
At approximately 8:40 p.m., Gutierrez was spotted returning to the Langlois Avenue residence and attempted to evade police by running inside.
During the attempt to take her into custody, an officer was bitten by a dog inside the home.
Officers were able to safely apprehend Gutierrez without further incident, and she was transported to police headquarters for processing.
Maria P. Gutierrez of 49 Coombs Street apt. 1 in Southbridge was charged with shoplifting by asportation over $250, shoplifting by asportation third offense, shoplifting of a shopping cart and resisting arrest.
The officer was treated at a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
The dog previously bit a different police officer in May, and a dangerous dog hearing will be scheduled due to the threat to public safety.
