2 Arrested After Shoplifting Leads To Knife Fight At Boston CVS

Two people are facing charges after one tried to stop the other from shoplifting.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Sep 14, 2026 8:36 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA — Two people were arrested in connection with a reported shoplifting incident that led to a knife fight at a CVS recently, the Boston Police Department announced.

Jewel Crutchfield, 60, of Dorchester, and Philip Busam, 36, of Cambridge, were arrested after officers responded at approximately 10:47 a.m. to the CVS at 468 Blue Hill Ave. on Friday, Sept. 11, for a report of a person with a knife. Officers were told two people had been involved in an altercation and both were armed with knives.

After reviewing security footage, officers reportedly saw Busam attempting to conceal several items under his armpit while leaving the store before he was confronted by Crutchfield. The two then became involved in a physical altercation near the store's main entrance.

Crutchfield told police she had been shopping when she saw Busam attempting to steal several items and confronted him in an effort to retrieve the merchandise. During the ensuing altercation, Crutchfield allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed Busam in the chest.

Busam said he fled the store following the altercation before returning to retrieve his cell phone. He said he pulled out his own knife because he feared for his safety when he reentered the store, according to police. Busam refused medical treatment at the scene.

Both were taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court. Crutchfield is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, while Busam is charged with shoplifting.