Two children running a neighborhood lemonade stand in South Boston were robbed at gunpoint by masked juveniles in a daylight encounter that ended within minutes and has since sparked a police investigation and community response.
The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon near West Ninth Street, where an 11-year-old girl and her 12-year-old brother were selling lemonade outside their home.
Police say the suspects made several passes through the area before approaching the stand shortly after 4:40 p.m.
Authorities say the suspects initially appeared to be customers and asked whether Apple Pay was accepted. Moments later, instead of purchasing drinks, they allegedly took a cash box containing about $50 and fled on foot.
Before fleeing, one suspect allegedly displayed a black firearm tucked into his waistband, according to police accounts cited in court documents and statements.
Investigators say no shots were fired and no injuries were reported, according to WCBC.
Witness statements and family accounts describe the children complying immediately once the suspects revealed the weapon.
The children contacted their parents after the suspects ran off, triggering a 911 call and police response to the scene.
Boston police later confirmed that surveillance footage captured two masked individuals moving near the lemonade stand before and after the robbery.
The video shows the suspects walking through the area and fleeing afterward, though their identities remain unknown.
Family members said the children were running the stand as a routine neighborhood activity when the incident unfolded.
Their father, David Byrne, said the encounter was frightening but that his children followed instructions and remained unharmed.
“My kids immediately just put their hands up and said, ‘Take whatever you want,’” Byrne said, adding that the experience left them shaken but physically safe.
The children’s mother, Jennifer Byrne, said she received a distress call while at work and learned her daughter was “in hysterics,” reporting that someone had pointed a gun at them and taken their earnings.
Investigators have not released identities, but early descriptions indicate both suspects are believed to be juveniles and black, with one appearing younger than the other.
Authorities say masks and casual clothing have made identification more difficult, according to MassLive.
Police say the suspects were last seen fleeing the area and may have discarded the cash box nearby before continuing on foot. Detectives are continuing to review surveillance footage and witness statements as the investigation remains active.
The incident has drawn strong reactions in South Boston, a neighborhood often described as tight-knit and family-oriented, where residents expressed shock that an armed robbery involved children on both sides of the encounter.
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn said the community is rallying around the family and plans are underway to help the children relaunch their lemonade stand as a show of support, according to NBC New York.
Local residents and organizers have also discussed broader support efforts, including community events tied to youth programs and violence prevention initiatives in response to the incident.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as detectives continue to investigate and review video evidence.
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