Police: Man with Knife Tried to Break Into Boylston Street Building

Boston Police responded to a report of a person with a knife attempting to break into 776 Boylston Street at 3:54 a.m. on Thursday, March 7.

When officers arrived at 800 Boylston Street, they saw that a security guard had stopped an unknown male suspect. Officers noted that a large planter was knocked over. The doorman of the building was the caller, and reported that the suspect tried to scrape gold off of the front door with a knife.

Officers explained to the suspect that there had been a report of a man with a knife and that they were going to frisk him. When the officer went to frisk the suspect, he reportedly pulled away and started cursing at the officer. Officers ordered the suspect to place his hands behind his back, but the suspect began pulling his arms away and kicking at the officer.

The officer attempted to put the suspect on the ground. During the struggle, the officer reportedly sustained a blow to the eye, which caused minor swelling.

Officers were able to place the suspect in handcuffs and recovered a large silver folding knife with a black handle form the suspect’s pants.

A primary witness reported that he stepped out for a cigarette and observed the suspect running the blade up and down the cracks of the front door.

Officers arrested Christian Southworth of 465 Beech St., Roslindale, and charged him with attempted breaking and entering at night, possession of burglarious tools, trespassing, destruction of property and resisting arrest.