An afternoon lemonade stand in South Boston turned into a crime scene on Wednesday when two juveniles allegedly robbed the young vendors and took off with their cash box, according to Boston police. Officers say the stickup happened just before 4:45 p.m., and that one of the suspects displayed what they described as a black firearm as the pair fled on foot.
What police say
Police were dispatched to 157 West Ninth Street after a caller reported an armed robbery, and officers were given a broadcast description of two juveniles running toward Dorchester Street. The victims, two children running the lemonade stand, told police the suspects walked by several times, then asked if they accepted Apple Pay before grabbing a box containing U.S. currency. One of the suspects then displayed a black handgun, as reported by Boston 25 News.
Community reaction
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn called the episode “disturbing” in a Facebook post, according to Boston 25 News. Police told the outlet the incident remains under investigation.
Legal implications
Under Massachusetts law, taking property while armed or while displaying a firearm can be charged as armed robbery and carries mandatory minimum penalties, as outlined by the Massachusetts General Court. Cases involving minors are typically handled in Juvenile Court, where dispositions range from probation to commitment to the Department of Youth Services, and very serious felonies can be pursued as youthful offender matters, per guidance on Mass.gov.
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to contact District C-6 detectives at (617) 343-4742 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS, according to Boston Police Department community alerts. Photos and tips can also be submitted anonymously online to assist detectives.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone who saw the incident or captured video to come forward. This article will be updated if authorities release more information.
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