By Jim Clark

Police were called to the Sports Authority store at Assembly Row Marketplace last week on reports of an alleged shoplifter observed in the store.

Upon arrival, officers spotted the man in question, later identified as Eric Neal, as he was exiting the store, followed by a security staffer.

According to reports, Neal dropped a large shopping bag he was carrying and began to run away from the area.

Police pursued Neal on foot and reportedly apprehended him at Grand Union Blvd.

After recovering store property that had been found in the bag that Neal was carrying, he was placed under arrest and charged with conspiracy, larceny over $250, and receiving stolen property under $250, police said

While being placed in the police transport vehicle, Neal reportedly complained of chest pains. An ambulance was called to the scene and Neal was checked out, but he declined further treatment.

The officers then went into the Sports Authority store to follow up on their investigation. There, they were informed that another man was being held as a shoplifting suspect.

According to security personnel, the man being held came into the store with Neal and another man. They were reportedly observed taking clothing into a fitting room wherein they had apparently placed the store merchandise into a shopping bag, prior to leaving the store without paying.

As this suspect was handcuffed and prepared for transport for booking, he too began complaining of chest pain. This man was transported to Boston Medical Center for evaluation, and was subsequently charged with similar charges as Neal’s.