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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Boston Police Officer working paid detail in South Boston was attacked after they approached an individual that was reported to be shoplifting Saturday morning.
The Boston Police Department said the officer arrested 26-year-old Patrick Craddock after there were reports that he was in the process of shoplifting in the area of 1100 Massachusetts Avenue Roxbury. Officials said that staff members at the South Bay Shopping Center approached the officer and said there was a suspected shoplifter in the store.
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The officer apparently tried to resolve the situation peacefully and attempted to recover the stolen items from the suspect with a store employee, officials said. Instead of handing over the goods, the suspect allegedly assaulted the officer and removed his portable radio, which without it, he could not call for assistance from fellow officers.
According to the BPD, Craddock then wrestled the officer to the ground and began strangling him. Police said that the two struggled on the floor until the officer was able to reach his radio and call for backup, and reinforcements arrived to help arrest the suspect.
The detail officer was brought to a local hospital to be evaluated for injuries sustained in the altercation, police said.
Officials said that Craddock is 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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