A shoplifting incident turned into an armed robbery when a man who allegedly sole from Stop and Shop pulled a knife on a loss prevention officer.
On Saturday around 5:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the grocery store on Liberty Street for an assault with a weapon. Investigation yielded a man was attempting to steal an electric shaver and numerous Axe deodorants when a loss prevention officer approached him. Police say the suspect pulled out a large knife and was able to flee.
A K9 officer traced the suspect through a wooded area towards Liberty Street where he was spotted. A foot chase ensued before he was captured. The loss prevention officer positively identified him as the suspect.
Randy Lopez, 38, of Springfield was charged with armed robbery, assault by means of a dangerous weapon, four counts of assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
In addition, Lopez was determined to be involved with a Thursday armed robbery at the Walgreens Pharmacy on Liberty Street. Lopez was also charged with armed robbery in connection to that crime.
