News

Crime

by Adam  Gaffin
Friday Jul 31, 2020

This article is from the July 30, 2020 issue of South End News.


Police: Man punches South End store clerk in the face in failed shoplifting attempt

Then returns with a switchblade


Boston Police report arresting a Dedham man they say really, really wanted to steal stuff from the 7-Eleven on Washington Street at Massachusetts Avenue in the South End on Sunday, July 26.
Police say that Daniel Moreno, 23, first entered the store around 5 p.m., lifted several items, then tried to leave - only to be confronted by store clerks who weren't having it:
In the ensuing altercation, the suspect punched one of the victims in the face. However, the victims were able to retrieve the store property from the suspect before he fled the area.
But then Moreno returned, this time "significantly more agitated, and brandishing a switchblade," police say.
The victims stated the suspect lunged toward them with the knife in hand, grabbing various items from the rack before again fleeing the store, successfully stealing multiple items in the process.
Police say Moreno did not have much time to enjoy whatever it was he took: Armed with a detailed description, officers on patrol soon found him a couple blocks away at Mass. and Cass, where they arrested him on charges of armed robbery, assault by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and larceny under $1,200. Police add that Moreno was already wanted on warrants for assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and possession of Class A drugs - as well as four warrants for shoplifting.
In 2018, Moreno was arrested on charges he threw a rock at an MBTA bus driver in Mattapan for kicking him off for not paying his fare.

Reminder: You can't bring a loaded gun into a Boston hospital

Boston Police report arresting a Dorchester man they say walked into Boston Medical Center with a loaded gun on the afternoon of Friday, July 24.
The officers were contacted by BMC security after they located and recovered a loaded .40 caliber Glock 23 from inside a bag the suspect was carrying. During a subsequent pat frisk, BPD officers recovered additional rounds of ammunition from the suspect's pockets.
Dana Johnson, 40, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a loaded firearm.
Public entrances to BMC have signs warning guns are not permitted.
Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.