On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at approximately 4:25pm, Boston Police Officers assigned out of Area C-11 (Dorchester), responded to the area of Adams Street for a report of an armed robbery and a person possibly stabbed.
Officers arrived on-scene and located a witness who directed them to 203 Adams Street – The Osaka Shabu Restaurant. The witness informed them that he was working nearby and heard screaming. He then exited his place of employment and followed the screams to the restaurant. He then observed a female employee of the restaurant bleeding and crying. She then stepped outside and pointed to a heavy-set, black female walking down the street. She informed him that she had just been robbed by her and asked the helpful citizen to stop her.
The concerned citizen then followed the female suspect onto Arcadia Street when she turned to him and stated, “go ahead and follow me…I aint done nothing”. The male witness made note of the suspect’s description and proceeded back to Adams Street.
Officers spoke with the female victim and learned that she was working at the register when the female suspect came in and ordered a soda. The clerk provided the soda and was grabbed by the neck & face when she opened the cash register. The suspect attempted to reach into the register while the clerk attempted to fight her off. A violent struggle ensued that traveled throughout the restaurant causing damage to property and flipping tables and chairs. The suspect then brandished a large knife and cut the clerk several times. The suspect attempted to drag the victim into the backroom but was unable to do so due to the clerk’s resistance. Prior to fleeing on foot, the suspect was able to steal money from the cash register and the clerk’s purse.
A description of the suspect was broadcast and numerous C-11 (Dorchester) officers converged on the area. One of the officers recognized the description of the suspect and was able to locate a female fitting the description on Charles Street. The officer noticed her to have blood on her hands.
The suspect was detained until she was positively identified by the victim and two independent witnesses.
The victim sustained several deep cuts and was transported to Boston Medical Center for treatment.
Officers arrested Shenita Benjiman, 41, of 1352 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester on the charges of Armed Robbery of a Business, Assault & Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (knife) and Mayhem.