Shoplifter Tries To Strangle Officer At South Bay: Boston Police

DORCHESTER, MA — Police say a 26-year-old man is facing criminal charges after he tried to strangle a Boston police officer at the South Bay Shopping Center Saturday morning.

Patrick Craddock, 26, of Boston, is facing several charges including assault and battery on a police officer, shoplifting, and assault and battery strangulation, a spokesperson from the Boston Police Department said.

The officer was working a paid detail at the Stop & Shop in Dorchester's South Bay Saturday when workers alerted him of a suspected shoplifter in the store. When the officer attempted to recover the items, police say Craddock began to violently assault the officer, knocking off his portable radio.

According to a statement from Boston police, Craddock then apparently began to "strangle the officer as the two struggled on the ground." The officer was eventually able to regain control of his radio to call for help, and Craddock was then arrested without further incident.

The officer was then taken to the hospital for an evaluation of his injuries.

Craddock is expected to be arraigned in South Boston District Court.