Worcester DA Joseph Early, Jr. takes down attempted robber

WORCESTER (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. took down a 27-year-old male suspect who reportedly tried to steal his wallet inside a Grove Street restaurant on Sunday.

Jason P. Beaudreau, a Worcester resident, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery and unarmed robbery at his arraignment on Monday after he reportedly tried to steal Early's wallet at Ciao Bella restaurant on Sunday.

According to court documents, Early was taking out his wallet to pay for his pizza when the suspect grabbed it out of his hand. Early was able to pin Beaudreau up against a wall.

A Worcester court officer, who entered the restaurant and witnessed the struggle, came to Early's aid. Early and the officer subdued the suspect until police arrived around 6:54 p.m.

"I really thought that it was unreal and couldn't believe what he was doing. I pushed him up against a wall, but the real hero is the court officer who restrained the guy. He denied grabbing my billfold until the police found it and a handwritten note from my wife in his pocket. We all had a big laugh," Early said in a statement to FOX 25.

The note from his wife was a list of things to do, including pick up a pizza.

Cox Media Group