Police Apprehend an Early Morning Armed Robbery Suspect with the Help of Witnesses
At about 6:54am, on July16, 2012, officers from District B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a person with a gun at 1589 Blue Hill Avenue (Check Cashers).
On arrival, officers spoke with an employee who stated that when she arrived at work she was approached by the suspect. The employee stated the suspect brandished a firearm and demanded she open the grate to the building. The employees stated to officers the suspect stated, “Don’t do anything stupid, I’m not going to hurt you.” The employee complied and opened the grate. The suspect demanded the employee open the door and she told him she did not have the keys. The employee stated to officers that she offered to call the employee that had the keys, and the suspect took her phone from her.
At this time, a security officer for the Check Cashers arrived and observed the suspect had a firearm and began to back away from the scene. The security officer reported to officers that the suspect stated, “Don’t run, don’t do anything stupid I’m not going to hurt you.” The security officer backed away and the suspect stated to the employee, “Now I’m going to have to kill you.”
The employee stated to officers she pulled out a baton from her pocket and struck the suspect in the right wrist area of where he was holding the gun. The employee stated to officers that she repeatedly struck the suspect until he ran off in the direction of Fairway Street.
The security officer followed the suspect and observed the suspect begin to assault and rob a victim in the parking lot of Farmers Market. Officers spoke with the victim who stated he was getting out of his car in the parking lot of the Farmers Market. The victim stated that he was thrown to the ground by the suspect and assault with a firearm and robbed of his wallet.
Witnesses nearby came to the aid of the victim and the suspect struck one of the witnesses in the head with his firearm.
The fleeing suspect fired two shots at the witnesses and ran towards Cummins Highway and River Street. Officers observed the suspect with the firearm in his right hand, crossing the street at River Street. Officers ordered the suspect to drop the firearm. He was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit he was apprehended.
The male suspect, Maurice Chase, 50, of Mattapan, was arrested for Armed Robbery, Assault and Battery by means of a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Firearm Discharged Within 500 ft. of Dwelling, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.
