Cops: Stolen meat in man’s pants

A homeless man was arrested after a police dog found stolen meat in his pants, Framingham authorities said.

Edward J. Brown, 48, was taken into custody at 10:23 p.m. yesterday after a police dog lost the trail of a suspect in an armed robbery because, according to police, it could smell the meat stuffed in Brown’s pants.

Police say Brown admitted he had stolen the meat from the Super Stop & Shop on Temple Street.

Police were investigating an armed robbery at the Framingham Shell station at 480 Franklin St. and had called in a scent-tracking dog from state police.

A witness reported seeing the masked robber running south on Franklin Street, so a trooper had his dog head in that direction, police said.

Police said they encountered Brown shortly after and the dog, smelling the meat, immediately approached Brown.

Police say they found nearly $68 worth of meat stuffed in Brown’s pants.

Brown has been charged with receiving stolen property worth less than $250 and disorderly conduct.

Brown pleaded not guilty Monday at his arraignment in Framingham District Court. He was released without bail and is due back in court on Sept. 16 for a pretrial conference.

The suspect in the Shell station robbery has not been arrested.