Man Faces Charges In W. Roxbury Attempted Robbery Turned Knife Fight

WEST ROXBURY (CBS) – Three men were hospitalized when an attempted robbery turned into a knife fight at Familia Grocery on Grove Street Wednesday night.

Police got the call around 9:30. Store owner Issac Rosa told them it started over a man trying to bring his dog into the store.

"The suspect came in probably half hour prior to the incident, there were some words about bringing a dog into the store, he left, suspect returned back with a knife went behind a counter and attempted to rob the store owner," Deputy Superintendent Dennis White of Boston Police said.

Police say the owner pulled out a knife as well. Rosa and a coworker were able to fight off the robber, identified as 38-year-old Kristofer Soderberg.

"He's not someone who comes to the store regularly," Ada Prespo told WBZ when asked about Soderberg. Prespo works at the store and is married to the owner's nephew.

"Issac, he's a really good guy, it's crazy someone would do that for a dog," Prespo said.

All three men are expected to fully recover.

Soderberg has been charged with attempted robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He's scheduled to be arraigned in West Roxbury District court once he's out of the hospital.