The Boston Police Department reports arresting a Mattapan man for a spree of violence that began with a failed holdup attempt at a Blue Hill Avenue check-cashing place and ended with him firing the gun at passersby around the corner in the Farmers Market parking lot.

Police say Maurice Chase, 50, of Mattapan, waved a gun at a Check Cashers employee when she arrived to open the store around 7 a.m. As she delayed for time - she told him she didn't have the key to the door - a store security guard showed up. When Chase and the guard eyed each other, the guard began backing away. Then, according to police:

"The suspect stated to the employee, 'Now I'm going to have to kill you.'

"The employee stated to officers she pulled out a baton from her pocket and struck the suspect in the right wrist area of where he was holding the gun. The employee stated to officers that she repeatedly struck the suspect until he ran off in the direction of Fairway Street."

Police say Chase ran into the Farmers Market parking lot and used his gun to begin beating a man getting of his car. The police account continues:

"Witnesses nearby came to the aid of the victim and the suspect struck one of the witnesses in the head with his firearm.

"The fleeing suspect fired two shots at the witnesses and ran towards Cummins Highway and River Street. Officers observed the suspect with the firearm in his right hand, crossing the street at River Street. Officers ordered the suspect to drop the firearm. He was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit."

Chase was charged with armed robbery, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, assault by means of a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging a gun within 500 feet of a dwelling and unlawful possession of ammunition.