Nahant Man Arrested in Connection with Robbery of Two Salem Convenience Stores

SALEM, MA — A Nahant man was arrested Tuesday in connection with two robberies at convenience stores in Salem.

Charles E. Sanphy, 30, of Nahant was arrested Tuesday after attempting to rob the Waylos Convenience Store on Essex Street, according to police reports. Sanphy previously had a warrant out for his arrest in connection with the armed robbery of the White Dove convenience store on Loring Avenue Sunday.

Editor's Note: This story was derived from information provided by the Salem Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.

Police say that officers were dispatched to the Waylos Convenience store Tuesday for a report of an attempted robbery to find Sanphy being held inside the store. Further investigation revealed that when the store owner opened the cash register upon Sanphy requesting a pack of cigarettes, Sanphy demanded that the clerk give him the money in the register, according to police.

When the owner, who's age was not identified in police reports, went to close the register, Sanphy allegedly went behind the counter and a struggle between the owner and Sanphy ensued. According to police, The owner yelled out to his clerk who pulled Sanphy away and did not allow him to leave the store until police arrive.

Investigators also positively identified Sanphy as a suspect in an armed robbery at the White Dove Convenience Store on Loring Avenue on July 24, in which he allegedly threatened the store clerk with a small pocket knife. Sanphy allegedly requested a pack of cigarettes during the robbery of the White Dove convenience store, in police believe he took between $500 and $700 dollars.

During the investigation, Police received a regular crime bulletin from the Lynn Police Department, identifying Sanphy as a suspect in a robbery at Tedeschi's in Lynn while armed with a hypodermic needle.

Sanphy was charged with assault and battery on a person over the age of 60, assaulting to rob and unarmed robbery, as well as an armed robbery charge in connection with the June 24 robbery.