AMHERST — A Montague woman who Amherst police allege may be part of a trio of women involved in ongoing shoplifting incidents at area supermarkets was arrested Wednesday evening on University Drive, according to police.
Police responded to Big Y Supermarket at 175 University Drive at 7:13 p.m. after an employee observed two women filling a shopping carriage with Red Bull and Monster energy drinks, said Detective Joshua Harris. Police said Big Y employees believe the women have stolen items from the store in the past.
When officers got there, the women abandoned the cart and split up, with one placing a tray of mixed fruit in her purse and exiting the store, Harris said.
Stephanie Pederzini, 32, was arrested on charges of shoplifting by concealing merchandise and possession of heroin, Harris said.
The other woman who was inside the store, as well as a third woman who was in an alleged getaway car, have not been charged, but Harris said additional charges could be brought against them as part of an ongoing investigation.
Harris said Big Y employees have informed the department about similar incidents, possibly involving the same suspects, at the company’s stores in Northampton and Greenfield.