A West Roxbury man is behind bars after being linked to the assault of a Total Wine employee in Dedham, a violent confrontation that police say may have spawned from a denial of service. Gesner Joseph, 22, faces multiple charges including two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and larceny, as per Boston.com.
The incident, which unfolded in the Total Wine parking lot situated at the Dedham Mall on Providence Highway, occurred around 8:00 p.m. on December 3. A group of about six to eight individuals, who reportedly turned away from the store the previous day, confronted the store employee as their shift was drawing to a close. According to Boston.com, one member of the group displayed a knife, and the worker's phone was stolen. The victim was evaluated by emergency services yet declined further medical treatment.
Joseph, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, was arraigned in Dedham District Court on Wednesday. He now resides at Norfolk County Correctional Center, unable to post bail as per the court documents. Although the suspect's capture brings some measure of justice to the fray, the case remains open as officials continue to sift through the details in search of additional culprits.
Further details provided by Dedham Police Chief Michael J. D'Entremont clarify that the attack was indeed perpetrated by a group, with at least one knife being flashed during the assault. "The male victim was evaluated by an ambulance but refused to be transported to a hospital," D'Entremont elucidated in a statement gathered by Boston 25 News. Charges against other potential suspects are yet to be announced as authorities continue to investigate.
