Gun- and knife-toting drug dealer arrested outside Southampton Street shelter, police say

Boston Police report officers stationed outside the Southampton Street homeless shelter early this morning arrested a man already wanted on several drug warrants on new drug and gun charges after they spotted him surrounded by a crowd of people outside the shelter, sitting on a motorcycle with a bag of crack in one hand.

Police say officers spotted people crowding around Jamal Harrold, 43, of Dorchester, around 1:45 a.m. at Southampton and Atkinson streets - near where a man was stabbed to death on Jan. 4.

As the officers exited their cruiser and began to approach, the individual wearing the motorcycle helmet attempted to flee, but struggled to start the motorcycle. They noticed that he was holding a clear plastic bag in his right hand, and as they attempted to gain control of this hand, a violent struggle ensued. During the struggle the plastic bag dropped to the ground, revealing multiple small plastic bags containing a substance believed to be crack cocaine. With the assistance of other officers, the suspect was secured. Prior to being transported, officers removed the black backpack, and recovered a two-pronged fixed blade knife from his jacket pocket.

During booking, officers discovered $5,349 in his clothing and a Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm loaded with 20 rounds, as well as 24 white pills, two scales and three phones in his backpack, police say. Also, Harrold's motorcycle, which did not have plates, was reported stolen in Washington, DC, police add.

Harrold was charged with possession of crack with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute, carrying a dangerous weapon (knife), unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a large-capacity firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlicensed operation, operating without registration and receiving stolen property. He also got a ticket for driving without a license and registration, police say.

This is in addition to three warrants he was already wanted for out of Boston Municipal Court downtown on various drug charges as well as assault and battery, and a separate warrant out of Lawrence District Court on a cocaine-possession charge, police say.

Innocent, etc.