Boston woman allegedly sprays chemicals on shoppers, tries to light them on fire

“Suspect in Custody After BPD Officers Assigned to District A-1 Respond to Disturbance in Downtown Crossing.

At about 4:41 PM on Thursday, October 27, 2022, officers assigned to District A-1 (Downtown) responded to a call for a disturbance in the area of 8 Summer Street (Roche Brothers).

On arrival, officers were informed that the suspect, later identified as Syretta Copeland, 42, of Boston, was observed inside the store spraying aerosol cleaning products on other customers and then attempting to light that chemical on fire with a handheld lighter. The suspect was eventually placed in custody following a brief foot pursuit.

The suspect will appear in Boston Municipal Court on charges of Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of an Incendiary Device.” -Boston Police Department.