Medford Shoplifting Suspect: 'Nothing To Lose' By Killing A Somerville Cop

By Alex Newman, Patch staff

SOMERVILLE, MA – A shoplifting arrest in Somerville Sunday evening turned nasty when the suspect allegedly made repeated threats on the life of a police officer and members of his family. Brian Kobs, 32, of Medford, allegedly told the officer he had 10 years hanging over his head and had "nothing to lose" by killing a police officer.

Kobs also allegedly shouted racial slurs at the officer, according to the police report. At one point, the officer took out his cell phone and began filming Kobs during his rant at Somerville Hospital. (Subscribe to Medford Patch or like us on Facebook for more local news.)

The incident began around 6:15 p.m. Sunday night, when police were called to the Stop & Shop on McGrath Highway for a reported shoplifter. The caller, an employee at the store, began chasing the suspect through the parking lot toward Broadway. The suspect was described as a white male, wearing a gray shirt and black shorts. Witnesses told police the man had removed the gray shirt and was now carrying it as he traveled down Arlington Street.

Police located the man, who later identified himself as Brian Kobs, on Arlington Street. Kobs was ordered to stop and allegedly ran across Arlington Street in an attempt to flee. When police caught up to him, he allegedly turned around quickly with his right hand clenched, prompting the officer to strike him with a closed fist, according to the report.

Kobs allegedly continued to resist and attempted to strike police with his elbow as he was handcuffed. Police pepper sprayed him in an attempt to get him under control.

Kobs was arrested for larceny last November and was known to Stop & Shop employees. The man who reported the shoplifting to police told them he recognized Kobs from the November incident and followed him on surveillance cameras as he allegedly concealed numerous health and beauty products in a bag before quickly leaving the store. The man said he identified himself in the parking lot and Kobs fled through the parking lot and out to Broadway.

Kobs was transported to the hospital due to injuries sustained during the arrest. Once at the hospital, he allegedly made numerous threats on the officer and the officer's family and launched into a racially charged rant while destroying hospital property.

Kobs was charged with larceny over $250, resisting arrest, witness intimidation and threatening to commit a crime.

Editor's Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Somerville Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a Massachusetts Patch police report.

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