Crime & Safety
Teens Accused Of Attacking Boston Liquor Store Owner
A group of juveniles reportedly entered the business, took four packs of alcohol, and assaulted the owner and his wife.
BOSTON, MA — Two teenagers are facing armed robbery charges after allegedly stealing from a Dorchester liquor store and assaulting an employee, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden.
A 15-year-old was charged with armed robbery, while a 14-year-old was charged with armed robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Dorchester Juvenile Court. Both were released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from the victim and the store. The 14-year-old is scheduled to return to court Monday, Nov. 2.
The charges stem from an incident at O’Brien’s Liquor Store at 1911 Dorchester Ave. at approximately 11 a.m. on Oct. 1. Boston police responded to a report of a fight, and the owner told officers that a group of juveniles had entered the business, taken four packs of Cutwaters, and assaulted him and his wife.
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According to prosecutors, surveillance footage showed an unidentified juvenile placing the drinks into her backpack before fleeing. At the same time, the 15-year-old reportedly walked behind the counter, drawing an employee’s attention away from the juvenile taking the items.
The group then ran toward the exit, where an employee grabbed the 14-year-old by her backpack. Video reportedly showed the 15-year-old forcefully pinning the employee against a wall as a struggle began. The 14-year-old then allegedly struck the employee in the head with a plastic bag containing two unopened soda cans. The 15-year-old and others in the group also attempted to force their way back inside while the owner blocked the entrance, according to prosecutors.
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Transit police intervened and detained the juveniles before Boston police arrived. Officers issued a verbal trespass warning and released them. However, the owner reported that the group returned two more times that day. Other employees told police that members of the group said they would return to fight the owner. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued for both teenagers.
“It’s troubling to see such alleged behavior from young people like this. We have programs designed to address youthful offenses and we use them whenever appropriate,” Hayden said in a statement. “But one of our top concerns remains the safety of employees and shoppers in our retail areas.”
Hayden’s office launched the Safe Shopping Initiative in 2024 in partnership with Boston police, regional retailer groups, and small business owners. The effort is intended to improve consumer safety and help store managers develop responses to shoplifting and retail theft. It uses diversion programs, court-ordered conditions such as stay-away orders, and traditional prosecutions to address retail crime and protect employees and shoppers.
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