Massachusetts Restaurant Owner Faces Assault Charges After Confronting Dine-and-Dashers
The owner is accused of pulling a gun on two teenagers who fled without paying their bill.
A restaurant owner in Springfield, Massachusetts, is facing multiple criminal charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, after allegedly pulling a gun on two teenagers who attempted to leave his establishment without paying their $92.60 bill.
Nadim Kashoush, 61, owner of Nadim’s Mediterranean Grill, reportedly followed the two teenagers, 18-year-old Javonnie Lee and a 17-year-old girl, to a nearby convenience store after their credit cards were declined twice. Onlookers told police that Kashoush grabbed the girl's phone, stating she could retrieve it by paying the bill. He is also accused of lifting his shirt to reveal a firearm and then elbowing the girl in the face. Kashoush then allegedly punched Lee before returning to his restaurant with the teenagers' phone, while a crowd of onlookers followed.
Kashoush admitted to police that he pointed his registered firearm toward the group, claiming self-defense. Authorities subsequently seized the weapon. Both teenagers were charged with fraud for allegedly leaving without paying their tab.
Kashoush was arrested and charged with five criminal counts: two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault and battery, and one count of armed robbery using a firearm. He was released on bond. A statement released by Kashoush's representative on the restaurant's social media page asserted his innocence and claimed he acted defensively, expressing anticipation for clearing up the circumstances.
However, official reports indicate the female teenager told officers she feared for her life during the confrontation. Following the charges against Kashoush, some residents have voiced support for him. One resident, Rashad Smith, described Kashoush as having "superb character" and questioned the division over the incident. Kashoush is scheduled to appear in court on October 22.
