Cambridge Man Charged with Attempted Robbery with a Knife in Back Bay Bar

Boston Police Officers received a report of a man with a knife at the Douzo restaurant at 131 Dartmouth Street at about 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19.

Officers were informed that the incident started from a purse theft inside the restaurant. When officers arrived, they found the victim detain the suspect. Officers frisked the suspect and placed him in handcuffs for their safety.

The victim stated that they were sitting at the bar when they noticed a man in a leather jacket with a fur hood sit down next to her. The bartender noticed that the man had his hands in her purse. The victim stated that her purse was zipped shut when she sat down, but it was now wide open. When she asked what the suspect had taken, he reportedly grabbed her arm and shouted, “I have a knife, I’m going to cut you.”

The suspect continued this attack, shouting, “I have a needle and I’m going to stab you.” The suspect continued to grab and push the victim. The suspect was trying to exit the restaurant when more patrons stepped up to defend the victim. The victim and a witness followed the suspect outside and cornered him until the police arrived.

The bartender stated that they saw the suspect reach into the victim’s purse and informed the victim that she was being robbed.

While searching the suspect, officers found a black folding knife in the open position. While running a query on the suspect, officers found that there was a warrant out of Cambridge District Court for larceny. 

Officers arrested Robert Byrd of 65 Howard Street, Cambridge was charged with attempted robbery with a knife and the warrant out of Cambridge District Court.