Alert Officer Nabs CVS Shoplifter

A Medford man allegedly chose the wrong time to steal from a Charlestown CVS on Friday.

According to a police report, Benjamin Quamina of 3920 Mystic Valley Pkwy in Medford, ran from the CVS in the Bunker Hill Mall around 4:45 p.m., Friday, as three men followed close behind him.

An officer stationed at the mall caught the action when one of the pursuers yelled “Stop him, he just stole from us.”

The officer took up the chase, pursued Quamina across the parking lot and caught up as Quamina mounted a flight of stairs.

The three men—two CVS employees and a mall security guard—approached as the officer handcuffed Quamina. One told the officer that he had observed Quamina enter the store, select a number of items, and then leave a self-service kiosk without paying.

A loss prevention officer blocked the store’s door, but Quamina struck the employee in the chest and pushed him out of the way.

The officer recovered merchandise—three items worth a combined $85—from Quamina, who was charged with shoplifting and assault and battery.

The officer returned the merchandise to the custody of the CVS employees.