BOSTON -
A Chinatown store owner tells FOX 25 he is frustrated more hasn't been done to prevent crime in the Boston borough after his wife was attacked by a pregnant customer.
Juan Rivera says a pregnant woman came into his gift store and began complaining about prices. The woman then threw a drink and then some punches.
"First she is a female, second she's pregnant. I really had my hands tied behind my back. I've really never felt so helpless," says Juan of the attack.
Juan's wife, a former Marine who didn't want to be identified, refused to fight back against the expectant mother even after she cut the skin beneath her eye. She opted instead to call 911.
The store owner says this isn't the first time something like this has happened.
"I have escorted people out, I have, but never any violent altercations," says Juan. "Every passing day the criminals get more aggressive."
Boston Police tell FOX 25 by the time they responded to the scene, the pregnant woman had left and Juan's wife refused medical attention.
Detectives have been assigned to follow up on the case, as well as other incidents at Juan's store. However, officials say it can take some time to make an arrest.
Juan says he is frustrated more hasn't been done to prevent crime in his neighborhood.
"They say to us, call us when you really need us. And we really needed them the other day. And I think it takes a dead body in order to actually get a response," says Juan.
Juan is thinking of taking matters into his own hands. He says he may organize a neighborhood watch.
