By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to the TJ Maxx store at the Assembly Square Marketplace last week on reports that an uncooperative alleged shoplifter was being held by store security.

Upon arrival, the officers proceeded to the security office where they were met by store personnel who were apparently engaged in something of a standoff with the detained suspect.

The man, later identified as Jean Benoit, reportedly refused to cooperate with store security and maintained an aggressive stance, holding two bags in his hands.

Benoit was pat frisked by a police officer and then placed in a chair, whereupon he let go of his grip on the bags he was holding.

Store merchandise was retrieved from the bags and Benoit’s Rhode Island identification was pulled from his wallet.

As officers went through Benoit’s wallet, they reportedly found what appeared to be two counterfeit $100 bills.

The store security officer briefed police on what had transpired prior to their arrival. They reportedly said that Benoit was observed placing several articles of store merchandise in his bags and then attempted to leave the store without paying. When approached by security officers outside the store, Benoit reportedly told them that he was going to his car to get money that he had left there. The security officers then escorted Benoit back into the store to await the arrival of police.

Benoit was subsequently placed under arrest and charges with possession of counterfeit notes and shoplifting by concealing merchandise.