Apparent Pats Superfan Caught Shoplifting, Ditching Crack Pipe, Say Police

A Chelsea man police say they caught shoplifting must really love the New England Patriots. It’s also possible - though unconfirmed - that smoking crack makes him hate paying for things.

According to authorities, Anthony C. Morales, 48, has been charged with shoplifting, and a frantic, on-foot chase led to his capture on April 7.

The report from Somerville Police indicates that Tuesday afternoon started to go sour for Morales when security officials at the Assembly Square Sports Authority watched him walk out of the store with more than $100 worth of New England Patriots merchandise.

Upon being confronted outside the establishment, Morales allegedly ran like heck, discarding the pilfered Pats swag in the process. The security officials gave chase, and called in Somerville Police.

Morales was arrested without incident once officials caught up to him at the Assembly Row MBTA station, at around 1:45 p.m. A search of his person allegedly yielded a hypodermic needle, and a witness stated Morales threw a crack pipe onto the train tracks shortly before his arrest, say police. However, Morales has not been charged with drug possession.