Maine Man Charged In Somerville Armed Robbery

SOMERVILLE, MA – A Maine man faces armed robbery and weapons charges after he allegedly punched a man who was leaving a Somerville bank last week. The victim told police he had left Santander Bank on Broadway shortly after noon when he was approached by a woman selling chocolates and candy. As he took his wallet out of his pocket, he was allegedly punched in the back of the head by another man.

The victim refused to give up his wallet but had some personal papers ripped from his hands, he told police. The suspect, who he described as a white male, approximately 19-23 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and 160 pounds and wearing a black jacket and white tee shirt, dropped the papers as he fled down Minnesota Avenue.

Police found a man who matched the description, later identified as 20-year-old Zachary Colon, of Old Town, ME, on the corner of Illinois Avenue and Broadway. Police said Colon was initially evasive in giving an account of his whereabouts but told officers he had been with his girlfriend. He said he and his girlfriend were fighting and he got out of the car.

According to the police report, Colon's story fell apart as he could not provide a location for his girlfriend or a phone number. He then admitted he had not made a phone call and his girlfriend had dropped him off and drove away, police said.

Police then had the victim return, and he positively identified Colon as his attacker, according to the report. Colon did not admit to the robbery but told police he assaulted the victim because he had insulted his girlfriend. Colon also had a cut on the outside of his hand consistent with a punch, police said.

At the time of his arrest, Colon was carrying a black folding pocket knife with a 3.5-inch blade, which is a violation of a Somerville city ordinance. He was charged with armed robbery, assault and battery and possession of a dangerous weapon in violation of a city ordinance.

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