By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to the Stop & Shop store on McGrath Hwy. last Thursday afternoon in response to a reported case of larceny.

Upon arrival, officers found several store employees holding a man down. The officers handcuffed the man, later identified as Ryan Buckles, 30, and escorted him to the store’s loss prevention office.

The Loss Prevention Officer reportedly told police that Buckles had been observed as he placed several Gillette razors into a shopping carriage, then went to the Dunkin’ Donuts area of the store, whereupon he placed the razors into a Dunkin’ Donuts bag and then allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise.

Buckles was prevented from leaving the store by two employees, along with the store manager, according to reports. It was at that time that a struggle between the store personnel and Buckles took place, police said.

The store manager reportedly told police that as he was holding one of Buckles’ arms down, the defendant used his free hand to pull a box cutter out of his pocket, attempting to jab the manager in the side.

The manager was able to take the box cutter away from Buckles and toss it away, according to reports.

When questioned by police, Buckles reportedly stated that he has been a heroin addict for nine years and that he needed help, saying that he wants to enter a rehab program.

When asked if he had anything sharp on him, Buckles told them that he wasn’t sure, but he did have some needles in his backpack, police said.

Buckles was placed under arrest and charged with larceny over $250 and assault with a dangerous weapon.