A Massachusetts restaurant owner, Nadim Kashouh, 62, is facing charges after he allegedly pursued two teenagers who left his restaurant without paying a $92 bill. The incident occurred on Friday at Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill in Springfield. According to a police report, Kashouh pursued the teens to a nearby convenience store after they left without settling their tab. The teens claimed they attempted to pay, but their card was declined twice.
Kashouh allegedly struck a 17-year-old girl with his elbow and also hit 18-year-old Javonnie Lee. He reportedly demanded they return to the restaurant and allegedly grabbed the girl's phone. As a group of seven people gathered, Kashouh is accused of pointing a firearm at them, claiming he did so in self-defense. The girl expressed fear for her life upon seeing the gun.
Kashouh faces two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery with a firearm, and assault and battery. He possesses an active license for the firearms registered to him. The armed robbery charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Despite the serious charges, Kashouh maintains his innocence, asserting that his actions were in self-defense. His spokesperson stated that he looks forward to the legal process to clarify the facts surrounding the incident. Kashouh had recently celebrated the 26th anniversary of his restaurant, receiving a proclamation from Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.
Kashouh, originally from Liberia, moved to the US in 1990 after fleeing Lebanon. He has been recognized as a respected figure in the Springfield restaurant community, with some community members defending him, while others have called for accountability for his actions. The two teenagers involved are also facing charges for defrauding a restaurant, which could result in up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $600.