A Massachusetts restaurant owner faces multiple counts of assault for pulling a gun on two teenagers who tried to run off without paying their $92 bill.

Javonnie Lee, 18, and an unidentified 17-year-old girl were eating at Nadim’s Mediterranean Grill in Springfield last week.

When the bill arrived, the teenagers swiped their credit cards twice; each time, the card declined.

They then decided to run out of the restaurant without paying their $92.60 tab.

Owner Nadim Kashoush, 61, and an employee then followed them to a local convenience store on Chestnut Street.

Multiple onlookers reported seeing Kashoush grab the girl's phone, then tell her she could get it back if she paid the bill.

He then allegedly lifted his shirt to show his gun, then struck her face with his elbow.

Kashoush then allegedly punched Lee in the face, then a crowd of six to seven people followed Kashoush as he walked back to the restaurant with the teens' phone.

Claiming self-defense, Kashoush admitted to police that he pointed his registered firearm toward the group.

This led officers to seize the gun. Police charged both teenagers with fraud for running out on their tab.

Kashoush was also arrested. He now faces five criminal counts which include two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault and battery, and one count of armed robbery using a firearm.

Kashoush was released on bond without requiring cash bail.

A representative for Kashoush released a statement on the restaurant's social media page, defending his innocence and maintaining that he acted defensively.

According to the release, Kashoush was appreciative of his court appearance and looks forward to clarifying the circumstances surrounding the event.

In contrast, official reports say the female teenager told officers she feared she would be killed during the encounter.

Following news of the charges, several residents rallied behind Kashoush.

Resident Rashad Smith told 22news, Kashoush ‘has superb character; his personality is sublime. I don’t understand why people are divided over people protecting his place.’

Kashouh has a scheduled court date set for October 22.