Crime & Safety
Man Arrested for Robbing Park Ave. Bank at Gunpoint
The man allegedly robbed the bank, fled in a car, ditched the car, ran on foot and then fought with officers when he was caught.
WORCESTER, MA—A man is under arrest after allegedly pointing a loaded gun at bank employees, taking cash, and fleeing the scene.
On Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., Worcester police responded to the TD North Bank located at 295 Park Ave. for a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred. Witnesses told the police that a man robbed the bank at gunpoint.
Investigators learned that the masked man had reportedly come into the bank, pointed the gun directly at the face of the bank employees and forcibly removed the money from the cash drawers. He then fled in a black Toyota Corolla toward Pleasant Street. Witnesses on scene were able to provide a detailed description of the suspect’s clothing as well as the vehicle.
After a brief search, officers found the suspect's vehicle parked an unoccupied on Allendale Street. Officers then spotted a man matching the suspect description (later identified as David Menjivar, 24, Jaques Ave., Worcester) running at a full sprint across Ethan Allen Street from Allendale. Officers ran after Menjivar as he cut across Murray Ave to Main Street. Menjivar then ran into the front common hallway of the apartment building located at 718 Main St. Menjivar was unable to get into the locked interior door of the front hallway.
Two officers entered the hallway and attempted to place Menjivar into handcuffs, but he resisted and fought with officers. During the struggle, one of the officers saw a handgun protruding from Menjivar’s front waistband area. While fighting with officers, Menjivar made several attempts to gain access to the firearm.
Menjivar was eventually able to gain access to the firearm from his waistband, at which time the officers tackled Menjivar to the ground, causing him to drop the firearm. Other officers arrived on scene and were able to secure the firearm and assist in placing Menjivar into custody, said police.
Menjivar had a backpack containing an amount of money consistent with the money that was stolen from the bank as well as the mask used during the robbery. A check revealed that the firearm was loaded and had a defaced serial number.
Menjivar is being charged with Armed Robbery while Masked (2 counts), Unlawful Carrying of a Firearm, Unlawful Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Possession of Ammo without an FID Card, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (3 counts), Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number during the Commission of a Felony, Intimidation of a Witness, Use of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Firearm Armed Assault with Intent to Rob (2 counts), and Resisting Arrest.
