Police say gun-packing drug dealer was mingling on Tremont Street downtown until they arrived

Boston Police report officers assigned specifically to Downtown Crossing to deal with "community complaints of drug use, trespassing and quality of life issues" arrested a man they say was exactly the sort of person they were looking for, shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday:

Officers observed a group of individuals congregating in the area of 128 Tremont Street. Officers observed one individual to be drinking a bottle of alcohol in plain view.

The suspect observed officers and began to walk away from the area. As officers requested the suspect to stop, he began to sprint and a foot pursuit ensued. Officers were able to catch up to the suspect and a violent struggle ensued. Officers handcuffed the suspect and observed a firearm on the ground. The firearm was later determined to be a KBI PMK380, with an obliterated serial number, and a magazine containing four rounds of ammunition. As officers searched the suspect, they recovered ten plastic bags containing what they believed to be crack cocaine, and one plastic bag believed to be cocaine.

During the booking process, the suspect provided a false name, and continued to lie to officers to hide his true identity. After several attempts, officers were able to positively identify the suspect, which revealed he had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Robert Offutt, 41, of Cambridge, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, possession of a Class B drug with intent to distribute, resisting arrest, identity fraud and providing a false name to a police officer, police say.

Innocent, etc.