Police in Lawrence, Massachusetts arrested a man Thursday for allegedly threatening a landscaper with a gun after the two got into an argument in a Wendy’s parking lot over grass clippings that landed on the suspect’s car.
Franklin Laras, 21, of Lawrence, was arrested shortly after noon after officers responded to a call of a man with a firearm.
At the scene, officers were met by the victim, who was working on the Wendy’s parking lot as a landscaper at the time of the incident. The victim alleged that grass clippings blew onto Laras’ vehicle as he used a leaf blower, which prompted a verbal confrontation.
Laras allegedly lifted his shirt to reveal a gun tucked into his waistband, according to the victim. In less than five minutes, police were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle near the intersection of Union Street and Summer Street. They determined that Laras was not licensed to carry a gun and positively identified him as the suspect.
He was scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Lawrence District Court. He is facing assault with a dangerous weapon and other firearms-related charges.
It is unclear if Laras has an attorney.
