Two Arrested in Connection to Monday Robbery Morning

Beverly Police arrested two men on Monday morning following a report of a robbery that took place in the North Beverly Plaza parking lot on Dodge Street.

Ian Gichere Karuoya, 24 of Story Avenue in Beverly faces charges of unarmed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), kidnapping, witness intimidation, assault, Class C drug possession and on an outstanding warrant.

Kenneth Kahuthia Karuoya, 19, of Story Avenue in Beverly faces charges of unarmed robbery, kidnapping, Class C drug possession, and on an outstanding warrant.

Shortly before 9 a.m., police officers responded to the Shaw’s Supermarket for a report of a robbery.

Officers learned that both Karuoyas and the victim had been driving around before stopping in the plaza. While the victim was exiting the vehicle, he was reminded about $10 dollars that he owed Kenneth Karuoya, according to police officials.

When the victim exited the vehicle, Ian Karouya attempted to push him back into the vehicle and began slamming the vehicle’s door into the victim in an effort to get him back into the car, according to police.

A passerby observed what was happening and tried to help, at which point Ian Karuoya began to approach the passerby’s vehicle. The passerby was able to snap a picture of the involved vehicle which had fled prior to officer’s arrival.

Approximately five hours after the robbery, investigating Officer Justin Zwicker saw the vehicle that was in the photo taken by the witness.

Zwicker stopped the vehicle and placed the Karuoyas into custody. Also in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop was Justice Galarza 19, of Beckford Street in Beverly.

Galarza was arrested and charged with a violation of the city’s knife ordinance. Galarza was not involved in the earlier robbery incident.

Assisting in the arrests were Chief John G. LeLacheur and Officer Thomas Nolan.