By Laurel J. Sweet
The Boston Herald
BOSTON — Boston police may have taken a big bite out of crime late yesterday afternoon with the arrest of a Dorchester man they suspect could be the notorious Bonbon Bandit.
Though only charged as yet with the armed holdup Monday night of the Famous Footwear shoe store at South Bay Shopping Center, Alan E. Daughtry, 47, of 556 Columbia Road ``is a strong suspect in the Bonbon robberies, but more investigation needs to be done,’' Boston Police Department spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said.
So named for his taste in sticking up gourmet chocolate shops and ice cream parlors, the not-so-sweet Bonbon Bandit — who at times has wielded a sawed-off shotgun, handgun or hunting knife — is suspected of robbing 20 businesses in Boston and three in Cambridge since April 15.
The barrel of a firearm was flashed during the Famous Footwear robbery.
No store employees have been seriously injured, but most have been forced to hit the floor or go into offices. The Bandit was frequently seen carrying a black bag.
Detectives were said to be searching Daughtry’s home last night. ``Boston police are investigating his connection to other armed robberies in the city,’' Driscoll said.
Under surveillance by a virtual cavalry of cops, including the intelligence and fugitive apprehension squads, with a SWAT team standing by, Daughtry was arrested at 4:15 p.m. at Granite Laundry a short walk from his apartment.
Employee Sheila Ferreira told the Herald that Daughtry, a regular customer, stopped in without any laundry and asked to use the bathroom. She had no idea he was allegedly a wanted man until police swooped in and arrested him.
``He comes in every two weeks or so,’' Ferreira said. ``He seems nice. He always talks to me.’'
Driscoll hailed Daughtry’s arrest as ``a great effort’’ by multiple police districts sharing resources and information.
Copyright 2007 The Boston Herald