Crime & Safety

Swampscott Police Catch Salem Robbery Suspect

The suspect later said he had gone into the store to buy Laffy Taffy.

 

arrested a Salem man on a robbery charge after he allegedly robbed Sunny Corner Market in Salem Sunday afternoon. 

Jason Lapointe, 31, of 34 Raymond Ave. in Salem was arrested after he was stopped by Swampscott police on Swampscott Road. 

About 12:20 pm, Officer John R. Cassidy heard Salem police radio a description of a motor vehicle possibly involved in the armed robbery of a Lafayette Street, Swampscott polcie said.

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The police officer positioned his cruiser on Essex Street near the Swampscott Cemetery looking for the suspect's vehicle and soon saw one matching its description.

He stopped the motor vehicle on Danvers Road, assisted by Swampscott Officers Steven Luck, Tom Lucas and Mike Serino.

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Salem police arrived on scene and the store owner identified the suspect who was taken into custody by Salem police, said Swampscott police Det. Tim Cassidy.   

Earlier, at 12:04 Salem police were alerted by a silent panic alarm from the store. 

When they arrived, they spoke with a victim who said a man entered the store, walked to the back, then came forward wearing a camouflaged ski mask and a green winter coat.

The man allegedly pulled a black handled kitchen knife with a serrated blade and demanded money.

Police said the victim told them he handed over cash and then fled to the back of the store where he observed a white pickup truck with a gold lift kit and a tinted back window driving away quickly up West Avenue. 

A short time later, Salem Police were notified Swampscott Police had stopped a vehicle fitting the same description and located a winter jacket, which fit the description of the one the victim gave, in the vehicle.

Police said the victim saw the truck, and he stated that it appeared to be the truck that fled after the alleged crime.

When police were reading the suspect his Miranda rights, he said he asked the officer: "How'd you know it was me?" several times, according to Salem police.

When police spoke to him, police said the suspect did not deny the act or act surprised.

A fold of money was also found in the vehicle similar to what had been described by the victim. 

Police said Lapointe told them he had entered Sunny Corner Market to buy Laffy Taffy, and that's why his car was leaving the area.

Police said the victim told them he hadn't sold any candy that morning, and the suspect hadn't been in to buy candy. 


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