By Jim Clark

Police were summoned to the Market basket store on Somerville Ave. in response to reports that an alleged shoplifter had threatened employees with a knife last Thursday.

Upon arrival, officers were briefed on the incident by the store manager who said that the suspect, later identified as Herman Blanco, of Charlestown, threatened both him and the Assistant Manager with a knife when they attempted to prevent him from leaving the store.

While the store manager was being questioned, reports came in that another police unit, with the assistance of two store employees, had Blanco in custody.

According to reports, Blanco left the store with a basket full of unbagged groceries that he had not paid for. An employee spotted Blanco and tipped off the manager, who then confronted the suspect and asked for proof of purchase.

It was at that time that Blanco reportedly threatened to cut the store employees before trying to get away on foot.

Blanco was followed by store employees as he fled and was eventually caught by responding police officers near Lake and Kilby Streets.

According to police statements, Blanco changed his clothes while in hiding, but the clothing he was wearing inside the store was reportedly found in his backpack, along with a folding knife.

Blanco was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with multiple counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and shoplifting by asportation.