A Massachusetts restaurant owner allegedly assaulted two teenagers accused of leaving without paying, then drew a gun on a larger group that arrived after he pursued them, authorities said.
Nadim Kashouh, 62, reportedly chased a 17-year-old girl and 18-year-old Javonnie Lee after they allegedly ran from Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill on Friday night without paying a $92.40 bill, The Boston Globe reported.
Police said Kashouh followed the teenagers and caught up with them at a nearby convenience store.
Nadim Kashouh, 62, pursued the teenagers after they allegedly left Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill in Springfield, Massachusetts, without paying, police said. (Google Maps)
The teens told police they attempted to pay the bill twice, but fled after their card was declined on both occasions, according to the newspaper.
Kashouh, who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in 1990, allegedly took the girl’s phone and demanded payment. Springfield police said he then elbowed her and struck Lee in the face.
“As a larger group gathered, Kashouh is alleged to have pointed his firearm in the direction of the group. Kashouh stated he did so in self-defense,” police spokesperson Ryan Walsh said, according to WMTV.
Authorities seized Kashouh’s gun and his license to carry, Walsh said. He faces two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery with a firearm, and assault and battery.
The two teenagers are also expected to receive criminal complaints alleging that they defrauded a restaurant.
Kashouh appeared in court earlier this week, according to a statement posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“He maintains his innocence and says he acted in self-defense. As this matter moves through the legal process, Mr. Kashouh looks forward to the opportunity to fully address the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.
The post added that Kashouh had recently marked more than 25 years of serving the Springfield community and was “incredibly grateful” to the customers, friends and community members who had contacted him and continued supporting him and Nadim’s. “He sincerely thanks them for their kindness and support during this time,” it continued.
Kashouh was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and moved to Lebanon with his family in 1974. He worked in the family business during the summer, The New York Post reported.
Some community members have spoken out in Kashouh’s defense following the allegations.
“I have known Nadim to be respectful, fair, calm, and incredibly hardworking,” Maureen Pinette, who worked for him from 2012 to 2014, wrote on Facebook. “I’ve watched him deal with difficult situations and difficult people, and I have never known him to be someone who simply loses his cool.”
“I see so much of Nadim in both of his children—the love, the loyalty, the work ethic, and the way they show up for the people around them,” she wrote. Pinette also said she had seen Kashouh help individuals and support the community without seeking recognition, adding that he often assisted people simply because they needed help.
News Outlet has contacted the restaurant and the Springfield Police Department for comment.
