BOSTON — Nine suspects have been arrested as part of a Safe Shopping Initiative targeting retail theft in the Mattapan and Back Bay neighborhoods, Boston Police announced Tuesday.
The arrests occurred on Sept. 24 during Operation Retail Theft, a collaborative effort between local law enforcement and businesses at CVS Drugstores on 1575 Blue Hill Ave. and 231 Mass. Ave.
The initiative addresses concerns from the community about shoplifting and aims to hold perpetrators accountable.
Among those arrested was 21-year-old Javon Coleman of Braintree, who is facing shoplifting charges and is scheduled for arraignment in Dorchester District Court.
Mateo Storms, 38, from Mattapan, was also apprehended on shoplifting charges along with an outstanding warrant for assault with a dangerous weapon.
Leo Chatelain, 42, also of Mattapan, is facing similar shoplifting charges and had an active warrant for failure to register as a sex offender.
A 17-year-old female from Braintree was arrested and will face arraignment for shoplifting by concealing merchandise.
Sereyvuti Vuti Yem, 40, from Boston, was apprehended for shoplifting over $200 and will be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.
Gerard Moore-Kahn, 35, of New Bedford, faces multiple charges including shoplifting, drug possession, and intent to distribute.
He is expected to appear in Boston Municipal Court.
Marvin Harris, 53, and Kevin Bridgeman, 57, both from Boston, were also arrested on various theft and drug-related charges.
They, too, will be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.
The Boston Police Department continues to work closely with community members and local businesses to curb retail theft and enhance safety in shopping areas.
