SALEM — Three women were taken into custody Saturday after they allegedly assaulted a loss prevention employee and attempted to flee Macy’s with over $3,000 in stolen merchandise.
The incident occurred around 5:54 p.m. when police were called to the scene for a reported fight in the parking lot.
According to authorities, the suspects, identified as Lay Rosa Cruz, 26, Edmary De Thomas Cruz, 20, and Siul Rosa Cruz, 27, all from Manchester, had been caught shoplifting and attacked the employee who confronted them.
During the altercation, the employee was pepper-sprayed and suffered minor injuries.
The suspects were arrested and charged with robbery, riot, theft exceeding $1,500, use of a theft detection device remover, and participation in an organized retail crime enterprise.
All charges except for the theft detection device remover charge are Class B felonies, while the latter is a misdemeanor.
The three women were processed and are being held on cash bail.
They are scheduled for arraignment today before the Rockingham Superior Court.
The investigation remains active as the group is suspected of targeting additional stores.
More charges may be forthcoming.
