Suspect arrested after allegedly assaulting, strangling, Boston Police officer

A Massachusetts man has been arrested after an incident involving a Boston Police officer.

According to Boston Police, at about 9:47 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022, a Boston Police officer working a paid detail on District C-6 (South Boston) made an on-site arrest of Patrick Craddock, 26, of Boston after being flagged down for a shoplifting in progress in the area of 1100 Massachusetts Avenue in Roxbury.

The officer was working at the South Bay Shopping Center when he was advised by staff members of Stop and Shop that there was a suspected shoplifter in the store. As the officer and a store employee attempted to recover the stolen items and peacefully resolve the situation, the suspect began to violently assault the officer, removing his portable radio, thereby preventing him from summoning other officers to assist, while wrestling the officer to the ground. As the officer continued to attempt to gain control of the combative suspect, Craddock began to strangle the officer as the two struggled on the ground. The officer was eventually able to radio for help as back up officers quickly arrived to place the suspect in custody without further incident.

The detail officer involved was transported to a local area hospital to be evaluated for injuries sustained during this violent altercation.

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.