Five teenagers were arrested Monday afternoon following a disturbance at a Panera restaurant in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. The arrests followed reports of assault on police, resisting arrest and trespassing.
Disturbance at Panera Leads to Multiple Arrests
Boston police responded to a call regarding a removal request at the Panera on Allstate Road shortly after 3:30 p.m. On Monday. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the restaurant manager, who identified a group of teens causing a disturbance and who had previously been asked to leave.
According to police, the group had been removed from the restaurant earlier in the day. After being told to leave again and warned about potential trespassing charges, the teens initially complied. Although, officers observed the group re-enter the restaurant through the front doors.
Police returned to the restaurant and informed the teens they were being detained. One female in the group allegedly shoved an officer, and resisted arrest by thrashing, screaming, and locking her arms. This led to what police described as “chaos erupting among the rest of the group,” including overturned tables and physical altercations with officers.
Five individuals were taken into custody. A 17-year-old female from Roslindale, a 15-year-old female from Malden, and a 15-year-old female from Roxbury were each charged with trespassing, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest. A 14-year-old male and a 15-year-old female, both from Dorchester, were charged with trespassing.
All five suspects are expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court, though specific dates and times have not been released by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrests at the Panera restaurant?
The arrests followed a disturbance involving a group of teens who refused to leave the restaurant after being asked to do so by both the manager and police officers. The situation escalated when one teen allegedly assaulted an officer and the group resisted subsequent attempts at detention.
What charges are the arrested teens facing?
A 17-year-old female from Roslindale, a 15-year-old female from Malden, and a 15-year-old female from Roxbury were each charged with trespassing, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest. A 14-year-old male and a 15-year-old female, both from Dorchester, were charged with trespassing.
Has this Panera location experienced similar issues before?
Yes, police have responded to over 15 calls for the removal of juveniles at the same Panera location this year. Attempts to resolve the issue through the school district and the Boston police school unit have so far been unsuccessful.
What steps might be taken to prevent similar incidents at this location in the future?
