BPD Community Alert: Seeking Public’s Help Identifying Individual involved in Armed Robbery in East Boston

The Boston Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the individual shown in the accompanying image in connection with the following incident:

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Officers assigned to District A-7 (East Boston) arrested 51-year-old Josein Cruz of Boston following an armed robbery in progress at the East Coast Variety convenience store located at 67 Bennington Street.

Officers were on routine patrol in the area of Bennington Street and Marion Street when they were flagged down by a store employee. The victim, visibly distressed, pointed toward two male suspects walking ahead. Officers quickly exited their vehicle and detained one of the suspects, later identified as Josein Cruz, for investigation.

During their investigation, Officers discovered that Cruz was armed with a firearm, while the second suspect carried a machete. The suspects allegedly robbed the store, stealing cash from the register and other merchandise. During the incident, they damaged the cash register and took the victim’s cell phone and the store’s landline phone, preventing the victim from calling for help.

It was reported that Cruz brandished the firearm during the robbery and stole a significant amount of cash, lottery tickets, and various store items. While conducting a pat frisk, Officers recovered what appeared to be a firearm near Cruz’s right ankle. It was later determined to be a BB gun. Cruz attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.

A search of Cruz resulted in the recovery of the following items:

• An undisclosed amount of U.S. currency in various denominations
• An unscratched lottery ticket
• A four-pack of Zyn nicotine pouches
• An unopened brownie
• A cordless landline phone

After receiving medical attention for a non-life-threatening injury, Cruz was placed under arrest. He is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court on the following charges:

• Armed Robbery While Masked
• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Aggravated Witness Intimidation
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

The Boston Police Department continues to actively investigate this incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact District A-7 Detectives at (617) 343-4234.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line:  By Phone: 1-800-494-TIPS
 By Text: Text the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463)
 Online: Submit a tip via Boston Police CrimeStoppers

Photos and videos related to this investigation can also be submitted anonymously. The Boston Police Department strictly protects the identities of those who wish to provide information anonymously.