Shoplifting attempt at Dorchester CVS escalates into stabbing, police say

A physical fight over an attempted shoplifting incident at a CVS in Dorchester on Friday ended with a 60-year-old woman allegedly slashing the suspect in the chest with a knife, authorities said. 

Officers responded around 10:50 a.m. to the CVS at 468 Blue Hill Ave. after receiving a report of a person armed with a knife, the Boston Police Department said in a statement. 

According to police, store security footage captured Philip Busam, 36, of Cambridge, trying to hide several items under his arm as he walked toward the exit. 

Jewel Crutchfield, 60, of Dorchester, then confronted Busam, police said. Officers reviewed footage that showed the pair engaging in a physical fight near the store’s main entrance, according to police. 

Crutchfield reported to officers that she was shopping when she noticed Busam trying to steal merchandise. She said she stepped in to recover the items, which triggered the scuffle. 

During the incident, Crutchfield allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed Busam across the chest, police said. 

Busam fled the scene immediately after the fight but returned shortly afterward to retrieve his cell phone. He told police that after coming back inside, he took out his own knife because he feared for his safety.

Busam refused medical treatment. Officers then arrested Busam alongside Crutchfield, police said. 

Busam is charged with shoplifting, while Crutchfield is charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, according to police. 

Crutchfield was arraigned Friday and pleaded not guilty. Court records indicate she was committed to the Suffolk County House of Correction after failing to post $250 cash bail. 

Crutchfield’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment Sunday afternoon. 

Arraignment and attorney information for Busam was not immediately available.