A 25-Year-Old Beverly Man Charged With Unarmed Robbery

Saugus Police Chief Domenic J. DiMella praised the strong teamwork of his detectives after the successful arrest of a juvenile and Beverly man in connection with an unarmed robbery incident late last month in Saugus.

Justin Hayes, 25, of Beverly, was charged with is charged with unarmed robbery and conspiracy. The juvenile male, 17, of Lynn, was charged with unarmed robbery, assault and battery on a person over 60 and conspiracy.

On June 22, a 67-year-old woman was walking on Essex Street near Staaf Road when a juvenile male knocked her to the ground and began dragging her several feet while trying to steal her pocketbook. He eventually grabbed her purse and then fled the area in a silver/gray Mercedes with dark colored fenders. The woman suffered serious injuries that required surgery.

Police reviewed surveillance footage from the area and saw a silver colored, older model Mercedes that matched the description from the victim. A check into the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles indicated that the car was registered to a resident out of Lynn.

Lynn police assisted Saugus police in locating the vehicle. Upon investigating and interviewing several individuals involved in the matter, they obtained warrants for the juvenile and Hayes, and arrested them.

Chief Dimella would like to recognize Det. Matthew Zichella, Det. Frank Morello, Det. Stacey Forni and Det. Lieutenant David Gecoya, along investigators from the Lynn Police Department for identifying the motor vehicle used, specifically Capt. Michael Vail, and Det. Tom Mulvey.

“I applaud both departments for professionalism and dedication in identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible for this violent crime,” Chief Dimella said in a news release. “The two suspects showed no compassion for the well being of an elderly woman and I am pleased that they have been brought to justice.”