Yesterday afternoon, a pursuit led to the arrest of Jamonte Smith, a 24-year-old resident of Dorchester, for his involvement in a significant theft of merchandise. Boston Police from the District B-3 Anti-Crime Unit tracked down and recovered items valued at approximately $3,495. The arrest occurred at about 2:55 PM near Washington Street and Eldon Street in Mattapan, according to a report from the Boston Police Department.
Officers patrolling the area took notice of a vehicle driving faster than what is deemed reasonable. While attempting to follow, the vehicle, which Smith was operating, continued to accelerate and navigate multiple abrupt turns. Eventually, a fortuitous blockage by a construction crew and a trash truck on roadwork at 2 Mount Bowdoin Green halted the speeding vehicle. Behind the immobilized motor vehicle, officers initiated a traffic stop, activating their cruiser's emergency lights and sirens and observed Smith reportedly placing an item in the back seat.
When the police made contact with the individuals inside the car, they noticed an abundant supply of clothing with security tags still on in the backseat. A further inspection led to the discovery of a powerful magnet and a handheld detacher – tools typically used to remove security tags from merchandise. The officers had Smith and the other occupants exit the car and conducted a precautionary pat frisk, which revealed even more stolen items tucked away in the trunk.
During the motor vehicle inventory search, the B-3 Anti-Crime Unit succeeded in retrieving 65 stolen items from the car's trunk. According to the police, the known brands and items boosted the haul's value to approximately $3,494.51. Officers placed Smith under arrest and, as reported by the Boston Police Department, he will face charges including Receiving Stolen Property over $1,200, and Two Counts of Possession of Theft Detection Shielding Device. His arraignment is scheduled at the Dorchester District Court.
