A shoplifting incident in South Boston took an alarming turn when police arrested the suspect on firearm and drug charges. David Rattay, a 33-year-old from Dorchester, was apprehended on Tuesday morning after a store constable caught him attempting to steal merchandise.
The Boston Police Department reported that officers from District C-6 were dispatched to 5 Allstate Road. The shoplifter, upon further investigation, was found to be armed. "Boston Police Operations advised officers that the shoplifter was in possession of a firearm," the police statement described.
It was during the apprehension by the constable that a firearm, an unloaded Black Diamondback, was discovered in Rattay's right pant pocket. In addition to the weapon, officers found Rattay in possession of twelve pills of gabapentin, a medication used to treat nerve pain and seizures. These items compounded the initial charge of shoplifting with more serious allegations.
Rattay now faces multiple charges including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Class E drugs, both serious offenses. "Rattay was placed under arrest and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Class E, and Shoplifting by Concealing Merchandise," elaborates the police report. According to the department, he also had two active warrants and is expected to appear in South Boston District Court for arraignment.
