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Man accused of claiming to be a cop arrested in East Boston

Boston Police arrested a man they say impersonated a police officer and broke into an East Boston apartment, according to prosecutors.

Ralph Gaskell, 63, 0f East Boston was arraigned Wednesday on charges of breaking and entering a building during the daytime with intent to commit a felony, and impersonating a police officer.

According to a press release from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, Gaskell went door-to-door in an apartment building asking for donations for the Boston Police Department on Trenton Street Tuesday night. After one resident gave him a donation, he allegedly forced his way into the apartment and began loading a shopping bag with the victim’s possessions.

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When confronted, Gaskell claimed to be a police officer, but the victim restrained him and called for help, according to prosecutors.

Gaskell was arrested with a shopping bag of the victim’s possessions, including a cell phone, wallet, and a jewelry box. Police also seized a charity collection container containing $5.85, according to the press release.

Gaskell returns to court November 13.

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