Last Evening at approximately 8:36 PM Lawrence Police responded to a report of an Armed Robbery in progress at a Park Street market. As Officers were responding to the market they received word that the store owner was following a vehicle driven by the suspect. The store owner was able to direct Officer Luis Olivio and Officer Carlos Garcia’s attention to the suspect who was jumping over a fence in an attempt to flee. Officer Garcia returned to his cruiser in an attempt to intercept the suspect on an adjacent street, and with the assistance of Sgt Harold Rogers the suspect was taken into custody by Officer Garcia.

Officer Olivio joined by Detectives William Colantuoni, Carmen Purpora, and Ana Villavizar returned to the market to interview the store clerk who stated that the suspect brandished an uncapped hypodermic needle and demanded money. The suspect proceeded to reach into the cash register, remove cash, and attempt to flee the area in the vehicle, which was being followed by the store owner.

During the booking process Eric Aponte age 35 of Lawrence agreed to speak with investigators, after being advised of his miranda rights, he subsequently confessed to the entire incident. He will be arraigned today in Lawrence District Court charged with: assault and battery, resisting arrest, and armed robbery