Chaos erupted at a Boston store when an off-duty cop, working a paid detail, was viciously attacked after trying to defuse a situation turned violent. Two individuals, Amari Robinson, 30, and April Payne, 52, are now facing charges following the altercation that took place yesterday morning on 36 District Ave. The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, witnessed Robinson and Payne demonstrating aggressive behavior towards store staff and destroying property.
The situation quickly escalated after the officer stepped in, attempting to bring the hostility to a halt. In that instant, according to Boston Police Department reports, the suspects turned their fury onto the officer, landing several blows. In an outrageous act of defiance, Robinson went on to significantly raise the stakes by deciding to throw a scalding cup of coffee directly at the officer's face.
Back-up promptly arrived following the assault, leading to the swift apprehension of Robinson and Payne. The officer involved, meanwhile, was in need of medical treatment. EMS responded to the scene, offering immediate care before the battered peacekeeper was transported to a local hospital for further attention to injuries suffered in the assault.
Raised in the crucible of a Boston street confrontation, the charges laid upon Robinson and Payne are serious. Malicious Destruction of Property and Assault and Battery on a Police Officer merely begin to outline the legal troubles they now face. Yet, Robinson has to additionally grapple with a charge of Larceny from a building after allegedly deciding to steal cash from a tip jar. These incidents provided proof, if such were needed, that the specter of violence against law enforcement officers persists. Both are scheduled for arraignment at South Boston District Court, as the course of justice promises to unflinchingly move forward.
