The Boston Police Department has taken into custody a man named Josein Cruz, 51, of Boston, following an armed robbery at the East Coast Variety convenience store, located at 67 Bennington Street. In a statement provided by the Boston Police Department, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) were alerted to the incident by a store employee while patrolling the area near Bennington and Marion Street yesterday.
The employee, in a distress, pointed out two male suspects - one of which was later detained and identified as Cruz. According to police, Cruz and another individual robbed the convenience store, violently obtaining cash and items including lottery tickets and a four-pack of Zyn nicotine pouches. In the process, the store's cash register was damaged and communication devices were taken to prevent the victim from seeking help.
Cruz reportedly brandished a firearm, later found to be a BB gun, during the altercation before attempting to escape. He was apprehended by the officers, who conducted a pat frisk and discovered the BB gun, an undisclosed sum of money, merchandise, and both the victim's cell phone and the store's landline phone. The recoveries from Cruz following his detainment were reported in detail by the Boston Police Department.
After receiving medical care for a minor injury, Cruz was arrested and is facing several charges, including Armed Robbery While Masked, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Aggravated Witness Intimidation, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. The investigation continues as police actively seek information about the second suspect involved in the robbery. Anyone with information is urged to contact District A-7 Detectives at (617) 343-4234.
