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Man arrested after alleged armed robbery at Cask 'n Flagon

BOSTON — A 54-year-old man from Hyde Park has been arrested for allegedly robbing a popular Boston restaurant at gunpoint.

Just before 3 a.m. Sunday, Boston Police were called to Cask 'n Flagon at 62 Brookline Avenue for an armed robbery. Police learned a man gained access to the business after hours, threatened two employees with a firearm and demanded cash.

Police say during the incident, the suspect fired a single gunshot, which didn't hit either victim or cause any injuries.

The suspect then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

While officers were on their way to Cask 'n Flagon, they saw a man who matched the suspect description walking on Newbury Street. As officers approached the man, they noticed he kept his right hand tightly inside his jacket pocket, despite officers' commands to do otherwise.

Police say they were able to get the suspect's hand out of his pocket, where they found a loaded handgun inside his coat.

The man, identified as 54-year-old Leonard Payne of Hyde Park, was arrested. He will appear in Boston Municipal Court on multiple charges including:

  • Unlawful possession of a firearm
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm third offense
  • Unlawful possession of ammunition
  • Carrying a loaded firearm on a public way
  • Armed and masked robbery
  • Discharging a firearm within 500-feet of a dwelling
  • Aggravated intimidation of a witness
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm with three prior violent or drug crimes
  • Possession of Class B drugs
  • Assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon
  • Armed kidnapping.

Police say they are still working to find the stolen money.

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