Suspect arrested after food and gun incident in Boston’s Chinatown

BOSTON – A woman was arrested Monday after she allegedly tried to flee a Chinatown restaurant without paying and brandished a firearm when confronted by staff.

Zaire Alexander, 24, of Charlestown, surrendered to Boston Municipal Court at 12:25 p.m. on July 1.

She is accused of carrying a loaded firearm, assaulting an elderly person and defrauding an innkeeper, among other things.

The incident occurred on June 29 at around 10:15 p.m. at a restaurant on Washington Street.

According to police, Alexander and a male companion ordered and ate food and then attempted to leave without paying.

Witnesses reported that the man left the restaurant while Alexander went to the bathroom.

When staff confronted Alexander about the unpaid bill, she allegedly pulled out a firearm.

A fight ensued and an employee disarmed her.

Boston police seized a pink .380 caliber semi-automatic firearm at the crime scene, a magazine with five rounds and one ejected cartridge.

Officers also found Alexander’s social security card and personal items.

One victim was treated for minor injuries by Boston EMS at the restaurant.

Alexander is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.

The male suspect is still at large.