MBTA officer foils armed robbery attempt in Charlestown

BOSTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A 35-year-old man was arrested at a Dunkin Donuts in Charlestown on Saturday by an on-duty MBTA officer who happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Michael Wallace, formerly of Medford, was arrested around 5:30 p.m. Saturday and charged with attempt to commit a crime, armed robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon for an incident that occurred at the Dunkin Donuts located at 99 Cambridge Street.

When Transit Police Officer Matthew Donovan entered the Dunkin Donuts, Wallace was reportedly standing in front of the service counter demanding "owed change" from two female cashiers; however, when Wallace noticed the officer, he calmed down and stopped yelling.

Officer Donovan intervened, and one of the cashiers told him that Wallace flashed a knife from his pocket and demanded cash. As the cashier was saying this, Wallace reportedly began reaching into his right coat pocket, but was restrained by the officer.

Officer Donovan reached into Wallace's pocket and retrieved a shiny silver seven inch spoon, police said.

The cashier confirmed that Wallace came into the store brandishing the spoon, but was holding it by the rounded end.

The cashier also told the officer that after Wallace demanded the money from the register, she reacted by slamming the register drawer and backing up, creating distance between her and the armed suspect.

Wallace then reportedly leaned over the counter and began physically pushing buttons on the register in an attempt to open the cash drawer. When other customers became aware of Wallace's actions, he then began yelling that the cashiers owed him change.

Officer Donovan spoke with another employee who stated she was not initially aware of the situation as it was occurring, but heard Wallace state, "Give me all the money in the register."

Wallace was searched and then transported to Transit Police. During the search, a black dress sock filled with several articles of woman's jewelry was found on Wallace.

Cox Media Group