Cop fires at robbery suspects, no injuries

A Boston police officer who pursued three armed robbery suspects from a Roslindale gas station fired once at the men, but no injuries were reported, police said.

The robbery happened about 8:20 p.m. at the Alpha Express gas station on Washington Street when three men, one armed with a gun, robbed the store, police Superintendent-in-Chief William G. Gross said.

He said the officer — who is assigned to the district — was on patrol in the area near the robbery and saw the suspects running away.

“The officer did a great job. He’s by himself. He’s facing three suspects, one armed, and he still pursued them,” Gross said.

He said during the pursuit the officer fired once, but no one was struck by the round. The three suspects, all males, escaped.

Police said an investigation into the circumstances under which the officer fired his weapon is underway by the department’s firearm discharge team, a group of detectives who are called in when officers fire their weapons in the line of duty, police said.

Gross said police were interviewing witnesses inside the store as well as surveillance tape recovered, which they hope will shed light on what happened. The officer was hospitalized to be evaluated for stress.

“The suspects, all three, fled up Washington Street inbound,” Gross said. “So again, if anyone has information that can facilitate this investigation we would greatly appreciate it.”

Anyone with information can call 800-494-TIPS to remain anonymous, or callers can contact their local station to pass on the information.