Charlestown Man Charged with Robbery and Possession of Pills

Boston Police were flagged down by a witness who said they were “chasing the guy who stole the purse,” and pointed towards West School Street. Officers found the suspect and a witness both out of breath on Lawrence Street. Gasping, the witness told the police, “he took it,” meaning the black purse. The suspect, gasping, told the police that the purse “got stuck on my bike and I tried to give it back.” At this time, a PBD dispatcher provided a description of the suspect and officers placed the man in handcuffs.

The witness told police that they had seen the suspect crash their bike into the victim and they both ended up on the ground. The witness stated that they observed the suspect and the victim struggle for the purse. Once the suspect took the purse, the witness told police that the suspect got on his bike and took off. At this point, the witness chased after the suspect down High Street, left onto Wood Street and down Main Street. The suspect then fell off his bike and began running on foot towards the 99 Restaurant. At this point, another witness began chasing the suspect. They pursued the suspect until they saw the police and flagged them down.

The victim was treated on scene for a contusion on her head and arm pain. The victim refused further medical treatment.

James Murphy of 48 Sullivan Street was arrested and charged with robbery by means of a dangerous weapon. During the booking process, officers found 2 orange pills, 12 round yellow pills and 90 white pills in an unmarked bottle.