Licensed gun owner spots guy choking woman in robbery attempt in Franklin Park; fires gun to get a faster response by police, which worked

Boston Police report arresting a man they say put his hands around a woman's neck during a robbery attempt at the Franklin Park golf course this afternoon.

Police say officers responded to the scene after getting 911 calls about gunfire - which turned out to be a shot fired, away from people, by a bystander who figured the gunfire would bring police to the scene faster.

According to police, the incident unfolded around 4:40 p.m.

The suspect had approached an adult female victim and attempted to rob her. During the incident, the suspect placed his hands around the victim’s neck while making threats to kill her. At this time a witness, who is licensed to carry a firearm, arrived and attempted to intercede. The suspect then approached this witness and reached towards the waistband area of his pants while making additional threats at which time the witness discharged a single round away from any persons or property, causing other individuals in the vicinity to call 911, hastening the response of BPD officers who quickly arrived to secure the scene.

Wayne Straw, 38, of Dorchester, the alleged would-be robber, was arrested on aggravated-assault charges, police say.

The bystander with the gun turned his weapon over to police for their investigation, which is continuing.

Innocent, etc.