Cape Man Guilty On Charges Stemming From 2019 Hyannis Robbery

BARNSTABLE, MA — A Cape Cod man was convicted by a jury in Barnstable Superior Court this week for his role in a 2019 assault and robbery in Barnstable.

After pending in court for approximately five years, in addition to several motions before the court, Lawrence Bland, 60, of Mashpee, was found guilty on Monday on charges including kidnapping, masked and armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon.

On June 8, 2019, around 11:30 p.m., Barnstable police responded to a business in the area of West Main Street in Hyannis.

Upon arrival, the Barnstable Polie Department engaged with three individuals ranging from the ages of 17 to 21 years old. It was reported that when the individuals were closing up the business for the night, they were approached by a "large, masked male" who brandished a small knife.

The business owner called 911 while watching the robbery via surveillance cameras.

While one of the individuals was able to flee after Bland pulled the knife, Bland backed the others into the property at knifepoint. Once inside the business, Bland ordered one of the victims to open the safe and "give him all the money," officials said.

Bland left through the backdoor once he received the money.

He was eventually identified through surveillance video footage obtained by the Barnstable Police Department.

Bland was sentenced on Thursday and will serve anywhere between 17 and 20 years, followed by five years probation after his release, officials said.