Thursday, January 3, 2013

Observant Transit Police officer makes arrest.

On December 31st, 2012 at approximately 11:15am Transit Police Officers assigned to Area 1 were on patrol at MBTA South Station bus terminal when they were approached by a male victim who stated his possessions were just stolen. The victim informed the officers he temporarily placed his backpack, which contained his Apple iPad, onto a bench and briefly went to the McDonald's Restaurant just a few feet away. Upon his return his backpack was missing, the victim then observed a male walking out of the station carrying his backpack. The backpack was later recovered but unfortunately the iPad was missing.

On January 2nd, 2013 at approximately 9:30am Transit Police Officers from Area 1 while at MBTA South Station bus terminal observed a male very similar in physical characteristics and clothing as depicted in the surveillance photo of the suspect who walked off with the victim's backpack/iPad on the 31st of December.  Officers approached the man, later identified Jason Leal 32 of Boston, Leal identified the man in the surveillance photo as himself and admitted to "taking the iPad". In addition to his admission, officers also discovered there were two warrants in existence for his arrest; Lowell District Court for Larceny of a Credit Card and Lawrence District Court for Possession of a Class A Drug. Leal was placed into custody for Larceny as well as the warrants. He was transported to Transit Police HQ for the booking process and will appear in Boston Municipal Court.

Please be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings in your immediate possession at all times.
tpdnews.