Boston police are on the hunt for two suspects involved in a daring robbery that took place in East Boston on Friday morning. The incident occurred after the victim, identified as 76-year-old Arty Rizzo, had withdrawn over $200,000 from a local bank and was sitting in his car outside his check cashing business on Meridian Street.
According to authorities, the two perpetrators approached Rizzo’s vehicle, posing as law enforcement officers by wearing badges. They then claimed to have a warrant for his arrest. Without hesitation, they forcibly removed Rizzo from his car and made off with both the vehicle and the substantial sum of money.
Rizzo recounted the traumatic experience in a phone interview, stating, “He opened the door, pulled me out, and grabbed me by the neck and put me down, and told me to go to the back of the car and put my hands behind my back. In a flash, he got in my car and his buddy ran on the other side of the car and got in, and they took off around the corner.”
Although the police were able to recover Rizzo’s car and an empty money bag, they have yet to locate the perpetrators. The incident has left those who work in the area shocked and concerned for Rizzo’s well-being. One individual, Johnny Rubio, expressed his sympathy, saying, “It happened so close to home. He doesn’t deserve it, he’s a hardworking man, he’s always friendly to us. It’s unfortunate; you don’t want people to be getting robbed.”
Reflecting on Rizzo’s response during the robbery, Rubio commended his wise decision to prioritize his safety over the money. “Thankfully he just gave it all up, realized it’s not worth his life, so that’s a smart man. You don’t live to be his age without gaining some gems throughout life.”
Rizzo, who co-owns The Check Place with his brother, announced that the business will remain closed for the next few days following the incident. The impact of this crime extends beyond the immediate loss of money, as it disrupts the operations of a local establishment and affects its employees.
Boston police are urging anyone with information about the robbery to come forward and assist in their investigation. Detectives can be reached at 617-343-4220, or individuals may choose to provide anonymous tips through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, even in seemingly safe neighborhoods. It highlights the need for individuals and businesses to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings, as criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
