A Boston police officer working a paid detail at a grocery store was involved in a violent confrontation while trying to get back stolen goods from a man accused by a store employee of shoplifting.
By Tristan Smith – Source masslive.com
Patrick Craddock, a 26-year-old Boston man, was arrested on multiple assault & battery charges following a violent altercation with a Boston police officer working a paid detail at a Stop & Shop in Roxbury on Saturday, the Boston Police Department said.
The unidentified police officer approached Craddock after a Stop & Shop employee accused the 26-year-old of shoplifting from the store, authorities said.
When the officer attempted to retrieve the stolen goods, authorities said Craddock began to become violent.
The accused shoplifter began to assault the officer and wrestle him to the ground. In the midst of the struggle, Craddock removed the officer’s portable radio, thereby preventing him from summoning other officers to assist, according to officials.
When the officer tried to regain control, authorities said the 26-year-old man began to choke the officer. The Boston police officer was eventually able to grab his radio and call for support.
Back-up officers arrived at the Stop & Shop and arrested Craddock without further conflict, authorities said.
The detail officer was transported to a local hospital to have his injuries evaluated.
Craddock is expected to be arraigned in South Boston District Court on charges of assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery strangulation, assault and battery and shoplifting.
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