Chelsea teen accused of stealing police badge, using it during robbery

CHELSEA, Mass. — An 18-year-old from Chelsea is accused of impersonating a police officer, kidnapping and robbery.

Police said he pretended to be a cop and even flashed a badge before robbing a man on Broadway at 4th Street.

Jorge Beltran, 18, allegedly stole the badge and police radio from a Chelsea police captain’s car over the weekend, one of several vehicles he’s accused of breaking into.

Beltran is accused of using that badge and forcing a man into the basement of a multi-family home where he stole the victim’s cellphone and wallet.

That victim went to police, and surveillance video from the area helped police arrest Beltran Monday morning.

“His mom tries to keep them off the streets. Keep them home with the family. But he don't want to listen to anybody,” Jorge’s cousin, Luis Ramirez, said. “Hopefully he will learn from me someday. I was trying to keep them straight. Tell him that I love him.”

Cox Media Group