Peabody, Lowell Men Charged In 2 Salem Armed Robberies

SALEM, MA — A Peabody man and a Lowell man are facing armed robbery charges after a woman whose car broke down in Salem was threatened with a knife, and a Salem gas station clerk was robbed at knifepoint in separate incidents last week.

Salem police said the woman's vehicle broke down on Harmony Drive Road on April 12. As she sought assistance, police said she reported that an older man approached her, initially offered to help, then brandished a knife and robbed her.

The victim said she was threatened if she contacted police.

Salem police said John McCabe, 61, of Peabody — who they said has a "significant criminal history" — was charged with armed and masked robbery and threatening a witness in the attack.

Three days later, police said a clerk at the Speedway on North Street was threatened with a knife and led to a separate room before the suspect fled with cash at about 2:30 in the afternoon.

Police said an investigation led to Edgar Morales, 49, of Lowell being charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault with a dangerous weapon.

"He also has a long and extensive criminal record," Salem police said in a statement.

Both suspects were held without bail pending dangerousness hearings next week.

McCabe's hearing will be on April 29 at Salem District Court

Morales' hearing will be on April 28 at Salem District Court.