At approximately 12:04pm today, officers from District 18 responded to 853 River Street in Hyde Park for an armed robbery.On arrival officers located one of two victims. The victim on scene reported to officers that about twenty minutes prior to their arrival, the suspect (described as an older black non-Hispanic male in his forties about 5’7”, 170 lbs. wearing a black hat, black jacket, black jeans, and large sunglasses) walked into the store an pointed a gun at him and his co-worker. Once in the store, according to the first victim, the suspect lead both of them to the basement of the store, and then at gunpoint ordered his co-worker to bind him. Once the first victim was bound, the suspect then directed his co-worker upstairs and left with him. The first victim was able to chew through the tape used to bind him and subsequently notified police.
The second victim reported that the suspect demanded money from him, then ordered him to lock the door to the store and ordered him into his car after forcing him to tie his co-worker. The second victim reported that he was made to drive with the suspect until he reached the intersection of Columbus Ave. and Walnut Avenue. There, he reportedly pushed the gas pedal causing the car to jerk forward striking a pole at which point he ran out of the car and made his way to a nearby bank and asked for help.
District E-18 detectives are actively investigating this incident and ask anyone with information to contact them by calling (617) 343-5607. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous should call 1-800-494-TIPS or text a ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will strictly protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
