What a store clerk thought was a prank by friends turned out to be a serious armed robbery Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday at 2:30 p.m., police responded to 11 Bennington St. for an armed robbery. When police arrived at Pericola’s Gift Shop and Jewelry Store, they found a shaken store clerk who told officers that two males wearing all dark clothing and black masks, walk into his place of business. He said he thought they were friends playing a prank on him until they displayed a firearm.
The suspects took the victim into the back room where they attempted to handcuff him with flex cuffs. The victim stated he resisted and the suspects pistol whipped him and began smashing the glass countertops.
The suspects were able to take an unknown amount of men’s and women’s jewelry.
“We are taking this incident very seriously,” said District 7 Captain Kelly McCormick. “The clerk has some bumps and bruises but will be alright.”
McCormick said the robbery was a little more sophisticated than the run of the mill smash and grab operation.
“It’s a bit unusual because the suspects came armed and ready to tie up whoever was inside so it was a little more organized than a typical robbery,” said McCormick.
McCormick said he has order extra patrols in the area to enhance police visibility and assist with the investigation.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call District A-7 (East Boston) detectives at (617) 343-4234.
Community members wanting to help this investigation anonymously can either call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.