Alleged Knife-Wielding Robber Arrested

MANCHESTER, NH - Within the span of 30 minutes, Queen City police allege that a woman attempted two armed robbery incidents, using a knife as a weapon, according to police.

Alyssa Abbott, 27, of Raymond, was arrested on Dec. 27, 2015, and charged with armed robbery and attempted armed robbery.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.

According to police, officers were sent to the 7-Eleven on Queen City Avenue at just before 3 p.m. for a report of an armed robbery incident with a woman in custody.

When they arrived, the found a store clerk and a customer detaining Abbott after she allegedly robbed the store with a knife. The clerk reported that Abbott reportedly entered the store and asked the clerk for assistance. Abbott then allegedly took out a knife and demanded cash.

“The clerk complied with the demands,” according to Officer Mark Ampuja of the Manchester Police Department. “When the clerk handed the cash to Abbott, Abbott dropped the knife she was holding. The clerk then attempted to detain Abbott. With the help of a customer who entered the store, Abbott was detained until police arrived.”

While police were investigating the 7-Eleven incident, an 83-year-old woman called police to report an attempted robbery incident outside of the Hanover Hill Nursing Home on Hanover Street less than 30 minutes before.

The woman stated that while in the parking lot, she was approached by a woman who asked to use her cellphone. The victim opened her purse and stated that her phone wasn’t working. The suspect brandished the knife and attempted to steal the elderly woman’s wallet.

“The victim pushed and kicked the suspect,” Ampuja noted. “The suspect then left the area in a dark colored vehicle.”

The suspect left the area in a dark-colored vehicle. The woman gave a description of the woman and the vehicle she fled the scene in. The description of the suspect allegedly matched Abbott, according to police.

“While at the police station, Abbott confessed to the attempted robbery at the Hanover Hill parking lot,” Ampuja alleged.

Abbott was held on $5,000 cash bail.