Alleged pepper-sprayed Southie mugger captured along with bonus second wanted man

BustedCall it serendipity: Boston Police report that when officers closed in on a guy they knew had an outstanding warrant, they also found Joseph Pano, who allegedly got only a squirt of pepper spray in his face when he tried to mug a woman at knifepoint on Tuesday.

Police say officers on patrol on E. 8 St. around 11 a.m. today spotted a guy wanted on an outstanding warrant. When they got out of their cruiser, he ran away, and into an apartment at 300 E. 8 St. Police say his attempt to close the front door on one of the cops failed.

As they were getting Michael Farrell, 23, ready for transport down to C-6 - which police say included relieving him of a knife - they noticed another guy hiding in a bedroom:

Officers conducted a protective sweep of the apartment and found Joseph Pano, 36, of Boston, who was known to officers with a Wanted Poster for an outstanding warrant (Attempted Armed Robbery) who was possibly armed. Pano was located hiding underneath a bed. He was placed under arrest and found in possession of two clear plastic bags with a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine. Pano will also be charged for Possession of Class B Drugs.

In addition to the drug charges, Pano faces charges of assault with intent to rob, assault by means of a dangerous weapon and assault and battery. Farrell faces charges of larceny over $250 and possession of an illegal knife.

Both are due for arraignment in South Boston District Court.

Innocent, etc.