Suspect in custody in connection with surveillance video of South End break-in

BOSTON — Boston Police put the brakes on a wave of destructive crimes in the South End after taking a suspect into custody in connection with surveillance video of a break-in.

Police confirmed to Boston 25 News that 44-year-old Luis Mercado was arrested Sunday after an officer recognized him from surveillance footage inside a floral shop on Tremont Street.

Julia Conrad works at Table and Tulip in the South End, which was among the Boston businesses targeted in a series of break-ins.

Surveillance video captured the same morning at Bloom Culture Floral Studio, less than a half mile away from the store Conrad works at, shows a person using a tool to pry open a register before stealing approximately $500.

"Being women and being in there working late at a florist, you just want to feel safe," Conrad said. “We definitely wanted to know that whoever did it was found out. It would be a relief for everyone around here."

Investigators, who have spent weeks going through footage from multiple locations, believe Mercado is the man who has been wreaking havoc at businesses across the community.

Mercado was only charged with the crime caught on surveillance video first aired by Boston 25 News, but a police source said he believes the charges will expand to a total of at least 10 burglaries.

Neighbors had been growing increasingly nervous and weary with each unsolved crime.

"The South End, the community spirit is very strong," Hamasat G. said. "We help each other with whatever it is."

After weeks of frequent communication with each other and police, residents learned of Sunday morning's arrest on Southampton Street.

"I hope this is the end of it," Hamasat said. "I hope it's him, and whoever he is connected with is going to learn their lesson."

Conrad had a simple message from the neighborhood for anyone looking to do similar damage.

"Don't mess with us," Conrad said. "Cause we'll find you."

RELATED: Rash of break-ins at several businesses in Boston's South End

Cox Media Group