Alleged Thief Caught Stealing Register, Counting Cash Behind Wall

WORCESTER, MA—With the help of an alert citizen, police nabbed an alleged thief who made off with a cash register from a convenience store.

Around 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 3, police were called to Walgreen's on Grafton Street for a report of an unarmed robbery. A male had reportedly stolen a cash register and was walking away from the store. Another shopper spotted the theft and followed the suspect, who hid behind a wall on Barclay Street and was counting money.

With the help of the witness, officers located the suspect, later identified as Neksone Allah-Digui, 22, Lincoln Street. Allah-Digui refused officers’ orders to show them his hands, and continued to sit behind the wall. When officers went to place him under arrest, he began struggling with the officers. He was able to escape from their grip, and turned around to face them in a fighting stance, said police.

An officer tased Allah-Digui, which, with his bulky winter clothing, had little effect. Allah-Digui ran away with the taser prongs still in his clothing. He was slowed down by the civilian witness, who grabbed him, and the officers made contact with him again. Eventually, the officers were able to take him down and place him in handcuffs. One of the officers had to be transported to the hospital due to an injured wrist, said police.

Officers spoke with Walgreen’s employees and were able to view security footage. In it, Allah-Digui ran behind the employee area and took the cash register out, as the employees backed away from him in fear. He grabbed candy and earrings, and fled the store.

Allah-Digui is charged with Unarmed Robbery, Defacement of Property, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing the Peace. He will be arraigned Monday in Worcester District Court.

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