By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Washington St. location last Wednesday on reports of an unarmed robbery.

Upon arrival, the officers were flagged down by the victim and his cousin, who told them that they had been in the victim’s vehicle with a friend, identified as Alex Payne.

The victim said that while driving to Payne’s residence at Beacon St., Payne accused him of having a sexual relationship with his cousin and demanded to be let out of the vehicle. The victim said that Payne exited the car at the Beacon St. location.

Payne reportedly continued to berate the victim and called him “disgusting” even as he denied the accusations. The victim then said that Payne demanded he repay him $40 for gas he had put into his car, which the victim agreed to do.

The victim said that he gave Payne the $40 and when Payne saw that he had more money on him, he told him to “give me all your sh*t” and to “run your pockets”.

At this point the victim said that Payne attempted to reach into his pants pockets and take his money causing him and his cousin to flee from the area.

The victim further told police that Payne entered the victim’s vehicle and drove away. Payne reportedly ended up stopping the vehicle on Line St.

The victim then called Somerville Police and left the area in fear for his and his cousin’s safety. The victim told police that he had last seen Payne walking eastbound on Beacon St.

The victim’s cousin told police that she was afraid of Payne due to his violent and erratic behavior.

Officers were able to locate the vehicle parked on the sidewalk of Line Street. It appeared to have been rummaged through, with the center console open and various items thrown around the interior. The victim said that he was missing $120, his driver’s license, a medical marijuana card and a small black flashlight from the vehicle.

Officers went to the Beacon St. residence and spoke with Payne, who reportedly told them that he, the victim and his cousin had driven into Boston to buy marijuana and take a road trip to New York. He further stated that he gave the victim $40 for gas and while at the gas station an unknown male whistled at the victim’s cousin, causing him to become upset and yell at the man.

Payne said that he believed the victim did that because he was sexually involved with his cousin and he did not think that was right. Payne reportedly said that he became angry and told them he was driving home and was no longer going to New York.

Upon arriving at his home, Payne said that he asked for the $40 back from the victim, which he confirmed was given to him. Payne said that he then went into his apartment without incident.

Payne emptied his pants pockets and was reportedly in possession of victim’s driver’s license, and black flashlight. The officers asked Payne why he would have those items if they were not his and he replied that he must have grabbed them accidently.

Police then asked Payne if he had taken the victim’s car without permission and he said that he had moved it after the victim left the area because it was blocking the street.

The officers told Payne that the victim believed Payne had taken $120 from his center console, which he denied.

After hearing this, Payne reportedly started to become increasingly angry and began clenching his fists and yelling that the victim was a “rapist” and a “f*cking skinner” and that he had to deal with him.

Payne then began yelling at the victim, saying that he was going to “kill him” and he had better be arrested or he was going to kill him for being “skinner,” a slang term for being a pedophile.

Payne was subsequently placed under arrest for unarmed robbery and threatening to commit a crime. He was transported to the station and booked in the usual manner.