Bank Detail Officer Stops Robbery in Boston

A detail officer in Boston foiled a bank robbery attempt when she refused to surrender her firearm to the would-be robber.

Just before 4 p.m., police say a masked man walked in and tried to rob the City of Boston Credit Union in West Roxbury.

When the officer, hired by the bank, confronted the suspect to remove his mask, police say he demanded she surrender her firearm.

The officer then grabbed the suspect and his shopping bag, fearing a weapon could be inside, and chased him out of the credit union.

The suspect was apprehended in front of a nearby restaurant in a red sedan.

Boston Police are also crediting a Boston Police captain who was on his way into work. He heard radio broadcasts by the detail officer, noticed her nearby and picked her up.

Both Officers removed the suspect from his car.

Police say the suspect, 51-year-old Richard Cassano of Dorchester, has a lengthy criminal record with 192 entries, many of which are bank robberies. His getaway car was allegedly stolen, and police say he's out on parole right now for another bank robbery.

Cassano will be arraigned in West Roxbury District Court on charges of attempt to commit a crime, attempted robbery, receiving stolen property and operating without a license. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.

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