BOSTON— In a troubling turn of events at a local Stop & Shop, a suspect described by Boston police as a ‘dark-skinned black male’, estimated to be in his mid-40s to early-50s, allegedly brandished a knife during a brazen assault and theft, sending shockwaves through the Dorchester community. The incident unfolded around 6:40 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when store employees spotted the suspect concealing merchandise and attempting to leave without paying.

When confronted inside the store, the suspect resorted to threats, producing a knife with a long silver blade, approximately 8 to 12 inches in length, featuring a striking green and gold handle. BPD sources say he made menacing statements to employees before fleeing toward the Stanwood Street neighborhood, knife still in hand, leaving a trail of fear in his wake.

Boston Police Department officials shared these images with the public.

Described as wearing a black baseball cap emblazoned with the word “BOSS,” a brown or black winter jacket, and camouflage or black pants, the suspect is now the focus of a manhunt by the Boston Police Department’s District B-2 detectives. The authorities are keenly reviewing all facts and circumstances surrounding this alarming incident, emphasizing the need for public assistance in identifying the suspect.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact District B-2 Detectives at (617) 343-4275. Community members wishing to provide information anonymously may do so via the CrimeStoppers Tip Line by calling 1-800-494-TIPS, texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463), or submitting a tip online through Boston Police CrimeStoppers.