By Brian Fraga
Standard-Times staff writer
December 11, 2007 6:00 AM
NEW BEDFORD — Two men are charged with conspiring to rob a North End restaurant at knifepoint last week.
According to police reports, Eric D. Mello, 23, slashed an employee's hand and stole a cash drawer from Elizabeth's Restaurant at 357 N. Front St. on Wednesday.
Arrested Sunday on a warrant, Mr. Mello, of 101 Collette St., told police he was ordered to rob the restaurant by Nathaniel K. Griffin, 45, formerly of 11 Nye St.
Mr. Griffin spoke to police officers minutes after the robbery last week, saying that he was a witness. He identified Mr. Mello as the suspect, police said.
Both were arraigned Monday in New Bedford District Court on charges of armed robbery. Mr. Griffin was held in lieu of $1,000 cash bail, and ordered to return to court Jan. 9.
Mr. Mello, who told police he was strung out on drugs during the robbery, was admitted to a detoxification program for 30 days. He is being held in lieu $5,000 bail.
Witnesses told police Mr. Mello went to Elizabeth's Restaurant during lunch hour on Wednesday and ate a meal. He returned minutes later armed with a knife. He demanded money and cut a male employee's left hand, court records said.
The employee was treated at St. Luke's Hospital and released, court records said.
Police canvassing the North End neighborhood for suspects came across Mr. Griffin, who claimed he saw Mr. Mello, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, running out of Elizabeth's with a cash drawer in hand. He told police he saw Mr. Mello drop the cash drawer in the area of North Front and Deane streets.
The restaurant employees identified Mr. Mello out of a photo lineup. He already had two pending warrants for assault and battery and witness intimidation, as well as larceny and breaking and entering, court records said.
Police arrested him at his Collette Street residence on Sunday. He attempted to flee the scene, and resisted arrest when caught by police, according to court records.
Mr. Mello told police he robbed the restaurant for drug money. He also said Mr. Griffin masterminded the robbery, and that he even gave him the knife and hooded sweatshirt to wear, according to court records.
Mr. Griffin denied any involvement in the robbery, police said.
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