Man Sucker Punched, Robbed Victim In Ledyard: Police

LEDYARD, MA — A man is accused of punching a juvenile victim, then robbing him, according to police.

Police received a call reporting a strong-arm robbery at the Ocean State Job Lot at 1666 Route 12 in Gales Ferry on Saturday at 3:21 p.m.

Lester Harris, a Gales Ferry man, is accused of walking up to a juvenile victim outside the store, "sucker" punching him in the face, then taking his cell phone and wallet.

Harris then fled on foot into the Norman Drive/Nugget Hill neighborhood, police said.

Ledyard police, Groton Town police, and state troopers flooded the neighborhood searching for the suspect. Several residents provided RING camera footage and spotted Harris traveling throughout the neighborhood, according to police.

Police found Harris at 4:53 p.m. behind 15 Nugget Hill Drive. Following a foot chase of about 200 yards, police took Harris into custody.

Police said they found the stolen items nearby.

Harris was charged with third-degree robbery, fifth-degree larceny, third-degree assault, risk of injury to a minor, interfering with officers, and breach of peace.

He was held on $500,000 bond and scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on Monday.