Boston man with 29-page-long criminal record arrested after stealing from Target, assaulting officer

BOSTON (WLNE) — Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced a man with a lengthy criminal history was arrested after he was caught stealing from a Target store.

According to police, 56-year-old Neil Finn was charged Tuesday with unarmed robbery, resisting arrest, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assaulting a police officer.

Officials said at about 5:50 p.m. on June 19, a man, later identified as Finn, attempted to leave the Target on Cambridge Street without paying for razors and shaving cream totaling roughly $200.

When Finn left the store, authorities said the store manager attempted to confront him when he allegedly hit the manager in the stomach with his elbow and exited the store.

Police said they later found Finn sitting on a bench near City Hall Plaza with a red Target basket. When questioned, Finn allegedly denied ever being in a Target and then attempted to leave after sliding the basket towards the officers.

One officer grabbed Finn’s arm to stop him from fleeing when he allegedly began violently resisting the officer, officials said. When officers got Finn on the ground, it is alleged he kicked an officer in the leg.

Authorities said Finn’s  29-page criminal record dates back to 1984 and includes convictions and sentences for assault, shoplifting, breaking and entering, malicious destruction of property and assault and battery on a disabled person.

“This is precisely the type of serial offender who deserves to have bail revoked in order to prevent additional threats to businesses and their employees, police, and the larger community,” DA Hayden said.

“Quality of life for people in Boston and elsewhere is a top priority for our office, and this man’s repeated criminal behavior is not just unacceptable — It is intolerable,” Hayden concluded.

Finn’s bail was set at $2,500 and he was ordered to stay away from the Cambridge Street Target. Finn’s bail was also revoked on nine open cases, all out of central Boston.

He will return to court in July for a pre-trial hearing.