On the afternoon of Sunday, October 5, 2025, while in full uniform and assigned to marked unit East-3, I was partnered with Officer Lorenti. At approximately 2:51 PM, we were dispatched to Target, located at 180 Somerville Ave, for a report of a shoplifting in progress. Officer N. Moreira also responded as backup.

Upon arrival, we proceeded to the store's security office where we met with Asset Protection Specialist XXXXX. XXXXX informed us that a known repeat shoplifter was inside the store actively concealing merchandise. She was on the phone with her coworker, XXXXX, who was providing real-time updates on the suspect's location.

XXXXX showed us live security footage of the male suspect exiting the store, passing all points of sale without attempting to pay. The individual was later identified as Mr. Manuel CORDERO.

As CORDERO exited the store, XXXXX attempted to stop him. During the encounter, CORDERO forcefully shoved XXXXX by grabbing her chest area and right arm, pushing her aside before fleeing into the parking lot. While we began pursuing CORDERO, I heard XXXXX exclaim, "Oh my god, did you see him put his hands on me?"

All responding officers, including myself, identified ourselves as Somerville Police and ordered CORDERO to stop. CORDERO looked back but continued to flee on foot. A brief foot pursuit ensued, at which point Officer Lorenti successfully executed an arm-bar takedown. CORDERO was taken into custody without further incident and escorted back to the security office.

Inside the office, I asked CORDERO for identification. He claimed he did not possess any and instead provided his name and date of birth verbally. CORDERO is known to the Somerville Police Department and has a history of fleeing from his residence at 95 College Ave.

XXXXX reported that CORDERO had concealed merchandise inside his black hooded sweatshirt. A search of his person revealed two Heyday portable music speakers. When asked why he shoved XXXXX, CORDERO stated, "She was in my way, I was just trying to get by."

I then checked on XXXXX 's well-being. She declined medical attention but stated that the incident was traumatic, frightening, and completely unexpected.

Based on the totality of circumstances, including the use of force during the theft, CORDERO was placed under arrest for unarmed robbery (M.G.L. c.265 s19).

Transport unit 200, operated by Officer Lergos, was requested to the scene. CORDERO was transported to Somerville Police Headquarters for booking by Lt. Shackelford. A secondary search for inventory purposes was conducted at the station, during which a third Heyday speaker was discovered concealed in CORDERO's sock.

The total value of the stolen merchandise was $63.75 (three Heyday speakers).

A copy of the video surveillance can be obtained upon request.

Respectfully submitted,

Officer Victor Romero #378