Boston

Officer, K-9 Companion Stop Robbery in Dorchester

An MBTA Transit Police Officer and his furry companion stopped a robbery in Dorchester on Thursday evening.

Dimitri Lawson, 21, is facing multiple charges in connection with the incident. According to police, Lawson walked into a restaurant in the Fields Corner neighborhood of Dorchester, went behind the counter, struck an employee in the face and forced open the cash register.

A patron ran outside and alerted a passing MBTA Transit Police Officer of the robbery.

The officer and his K-9 partner Molly entered the establishment, where other patrons quickly pointed out Lawson. The officer gave commands to Lawson, but he allegedly refused to comply and threatened the officer.

The officer warned Lawson if he ignored his commands, he would release Molly. Police said Lawson then aggressively approached the officer, and Molly was released.

The suspect allegedly struck Molly on her head with his fist, but she continued to engage him. Molly, her handler, and two Boston police officers placed Lawson into custody.

Lawson was transported to Transit Police Headquarters. The department said he had several pre-existing warrants out of Dorchester District Court for two counts of breaking and entering, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest.

This case is still ongoing and it is unknown if Lawson has an attorney.

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