Photo 20573414 © Jerry Coli | Dreamstime.com

Man with warrants arrested in back bay after fentanyl death, struggle with officers — Photo 20573414 © Jerry Coli | Dreamstime.com

BOSTON, MA — A 40-year-old man with two active warrants was arrested Saturday afternoon after Boston police say they found him with more than 30 grams of fentanyl during a drug investigation in Back Bay. The suspect, identified as Keith Curtis of Athol, allegedly tried to flee and pushed an officer before being taken into custody near 700 Boylston Street.

The arrest happened around 3:50 p.m. Saturday, May 2, when members of the Boston Police Department’s District D-14 Drug Control Unit approached Curtis, who investigators had been surveilling as part of an ongoing case. Officers said they observed him using a glass pipe moments before moving in.

Surveillance leads to quick arrest

According to Boston Police Media Relations, Curtis dropped a small pouch during a brief struggle and slipped out of his jacket in an attempt to escape. Additional officers already on scene quickly apprehended him nearby, preventing a prolonged foot chase through the busy Back Bay area.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of approximately 32 grams of fentanyl, a quantity that meets the threshold for a trafficking charge under Massachusetts law.

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Key Points
• Keith Curtis, 40, arrested near 700 Boylston Street during drug investigation
• Police recovered about 32 grams of fentanyl after a brief struggle
• Suspect allegedly pushed an officer and attempted to flee before arrest
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Two others cited, charges pending

Two other individuals who were with Curtis at the time were issued summonses for drug possession, police said. Authorities did not release their identities.

Curtis now faces charges of trafficking Class A drugs and resisting arrest. Police also confirmed he had two active warrants at the time officers approached him, though details about those warrants were not immediately disclosed.

Busy Back Bay location underscores risk

The arrest took place in one of Boston’s most heavily trafficked commercial corridors, where foot traffic remains high throughout the day. Drug investigations in such areas often rely on surveillance and rapid coordination between officers to prevent suspects from disappearing into crowds.

The recovery of fentanyl — a potent synthetic opioid linked to a high number of overdose deaths — highlights ongoing enforcement efforts targeting distribution-level activity in the city.

Case moves to court

Curtis is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court. As of Sunday, no additional arrests have been announced, and the investigation tied to the broader drug activity remains ongoing.

Keywords: Boston Police Department, fentanyl trafficking, Back Bay arrest

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