At about 10:35am, on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, officers from Area E-13 (Jamaica Plain) were on patrol in the area of Walden and Heath Streets when they observed an individual running in a hurried manner while carrying a white plastic bag. As officers got closer to the scene, officers also became aware of a woman, a little further up the road, excitedly waving her arms and pointing in the direction of the suspect. Officers spoke to the female who stated that the suspect had just robbed an elderly male. Officers spoke to the elderly male victim, 61 years-old, who stated that the suspect approached him and asked, “Can I get a dollar?” The victim states that when he reached into his wallet to retrieve a dollar, the suspect pushed him, snatched his wallet, as well as a plastic bag he was carrying, and took off on foot.
After a lengthy foot pursuit, officers were able to re-locate and stop the suspect. While chasing behind the suspect, officers observed the suspect attempt to discard the items taken from the victim. While the suspect was being detained, the victim arrived on scene and stated, “That’s him. That’s the guy who took my wallet.”
A search of the suspect enabled officers to recover four counterfeit bills.
Officers arrested Michael Smith, 50, of Boston and charged him with Unarmed Robbery and Possession of Counterfeit Bills.