Man allegedly assaults 2 workers, steals car in series of Dedham incidents

Local News

Police allege the suspect returned to the same gas station multiple times on Saturday, committing a separate crime on each visit.

A West Roxbury man is accused of assaulting two employees at a Dedham gas station in separate incidents, before later stealing a car from the same location, authorities said. 

Officers first responded to Sam’s Express at 2 Washington St. around 9 a.m. Saturday for a report of assault and battery, Dedham police said in a statement. 

Upon arrival, officers learned a man entered the store and assaulted an employee before a customer intervened and escorted him out, police said. The man had left the scene before officers arrived. 

Police were called back to the gas station shortly after 5:30 p.m. for a second reported assault and battery. Authorities said the same man returned and assaulted another employee, who declined medical treatment. 

Although a Boston police officer was able to identify the suspect prior to Dedham officers arriving, police were unable to locate him at that time, according to the statement. 

Later that night, at 10:44 p.m., officers responded to a third incident at the gas station. A customer reported his vehicle had been stolen from the gas pumps after he walked away to pay for gas, police said. 

The stolen vehicle was spotted traveling on Washington Street toward Boston and was eventually recovered in the area of 4975 Washington St. in West Roxbury, police said. 

Police believe the same suspect was involved in all three incidents, according to the statement. 

Authorities obtained an arrest warrant Sunday and arrested 35-year-old John Laurent, of West Roxbury, at his residence, police said.  

He is charged with two counts of assault and battery, trespassing, and larceny of a motor vehicle, according to police. 

Laurent is expected to be arraigned Monday in Dedham District Court.

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