A man who was being disruptive before he allegedly stabbed two men inside a historical downtown Boston bar was arrested Saturday and is facing multiple charges, police said.
Boston police responded to the iconic Bell in Hand Tavern, located at 45 Union St., just after 10 p.m. for a report of a person with a knife.
Responding officers found the suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Alex Brito, of Randolph, Massachusetts, violently struggling with staff security members attempting to restrain him on the main floor near the bar, while the two victims lay on the ground.
Other staff members tended to the victims, until Boston EMS arrived and took both men to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening.
Officers were able to restrain the suspect, and he was taken into custody. Police also recovered a knife on scene.
According to police, Brito was causing a disturbance inside the tavern, prompting security to ask him to leave. At that point, police say, Brito became upset, began swinging a knife, and stabbed two restaurant employees.
Brito is facing multiple charges including two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon, simple assault and battery, resisting arrest and threats.
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Massachusetts residents were surprised to hear that a violent crime like this would happen in such a popular and touristy area near Faneuil Hall.
"It's a very safe neighborhood," Boston resident Bruce Koplan said.
"Touristy, we were just in there. There's people from the south in the Union Oyster House, people from all over the country from here, so very touristy," said Norwood resident Rich Newman.
"Yeah I've been to Bell in Hand a lot of times. It's a great place, my friends and I always go," said Boston resident Sarah Morris. "Shocking to hear that, I actually live right down the road, too, so don't love that."
Police said Brito will be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court. It's unclear if he has an attorney, or when he will appear in court.
