By Jim Clark

While conducting personal business at the Starbucks on Elm St. last Sunday, two uniformed Somerville police officers took notice as a man wearing what appeared to be hospital scrubs approached the counter and placed an order.

When the barista’s back was turned the man, later identified as Michael Murphy, reportedly stuck his hand inside the employees’ tip jar and removed the cash inside. He then reportedly took off running out of the cafe. Employees of the restaurant reportedly called out, “He stole our tips!”

The officers began a pursuit by foot, calling out to Murphy ordering him to stop. Murphy continued to run, according to reports, and ignored the officers’ orders as he ran through the street that was busy with two-way traffic.

One of the officers got into his police cruiser and managed to cut Murphy off and prevent his further flight from the scene.

When Murphy was finally questioned, he reportedly said that he didn’t have any identification on him and that he didn’t know the date of his birth.

The officers noted that Murphy was wearing a hospital admissions bracelet with his name and date of birth on it. However, when the data was run through the police computer system no match could be found.

According to reports, Murphy said that he was from Colorado and was currently homeless. Police reported that he was generally uncooperative.

A bag that Murphy was carrying reportedly contained the six dollars that was taken from the Starbucks tip jar.

Murphy was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with larceny under $250 and resisting arrest.