Boston Police Arrest Two Suspects Wanted for Robbing a Taxi Driver, Shooting Him with a Pellet Gun and then Stealing His Cab

At about 6:04pm, on Sunday, May 13, 2012, officers from Area A-15 (Charlestown) responded to a call for a taxi driver being robbed in the area of Rutherford Ave & Washington Street. While en route to the call, officers learned that two suspects, described as two white males, were seen fleeing the area on foot after robbing the cab driver. According to the operator, one of the suspects was wearing a black Bruins t-shirt while the other was wearing a green Celtics t-shirt. The cab driver further stated that the suspect wearing the Bruins t-shirt pointed a firearm at him and demanded money. At this point, the taxi driver says all parties exited the cab and a physical altercation ensued between him and the two suspects. During the altercation, the driver says that the suspect wearing the Bruins t-shirt shot him twice with a pellet gun and then jumped into his cab and took off down Devens Street. After travelling a short distance in which he came into contact with and damaged two parked cars, the suspect wearing the Bruins t-shirt exited the cab and took off running. In the interim, the suspect wearing the Celtics t-shirt, who apparently forgot something inside the cab, approached the cab, reached inside and retrieved a floral arrangement consisting of orange, yellow and red flowers and then took off running.

In short time, officers were able to locate two individuals who matched the description of the suspects. After a lengthy foot pursuit, officers were able to catch up to and apprehend both suspects. During the foot chase, both suspects were seen discarding several items. Officers were able to recover several items including a black pellet gun.

Officers arrested Shawn Hickey, 40, of Boston (Bruins t-shirt) and charged him with Armed Carjacking, Armed Robbery, Assault & Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (pellet gun) and Leaving the Scene After Causing Property Damage.

Officers arrested Brian Cunneen, 21, of Lowell (Celtics t-shirt) and charged him with Armed Carjacking and Armed Robbery.