Downtown food-delivery guy punched, robbed, chased; suspect arrested, police say

Boston Police report arresting a man they say approached a food-delivery guy in Downtown Crossing early Saturday morning, robbed him as his pals surrounded the guy, then punched him before the victim got in his car - only to be chased by the suspect.

Police say officers initially responded to the Tremont Street side of the Common, but then found the allegedly motley crew hanging out across the street, in front of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, around 3:10 a.m.:

Officers were advised that the victim was working as a meal delivery driver. The victim dropped off food in a doorway when he was approached by the suspect.

Officers were told that the suspect placed one hand into his waistband, gesturing that he had a firearm. The suspect then demanded the victim’s phone before calling for other suspects, who began to surround the victim. The suspect then punched the victim before he attempted the flee.

The victim was able to flee the scene in his vehicle, and a rear camera was able to capture video of the suspect chasing after him. Officers were able to positively identify the suspect through the video as they have interacted with the suspect on multiple occasions.

Police say officers found two phones on alleged robber Thomm-Lee Janivier, 21 - one of them belonging to the man they say he just robbed. Also:

Officers searched the suspect and recovered a large plastic bag containing crack cocaine. Officers also recovered two credit cards that did not belong to the suspect.

Janvier was charged with armed robbery, assault and battery, receiving stolen property and possession of Class B drugs with intent to distribute, police say. Court records show Boston Municipal Court Judge Paul Treseler set bail at $5,000 and then ordered Janvier held because he could not come up with the money. Should he make bail, Treseler ordered him to stay away from both the victim and downtown.

Innocent, etc.