Man with Down syndrome arrested for armed robbery in Massachusetts

From the Telegram & Gazette:

WARREN, Mass. — A 21-year-old local man with Down syndrome who allegedly held up Traskas Market on Main Street in West Warren April 8 will be charged with armed robbery and larceny of under $250.

Police said last night they had identified the man, who lives about a quarter-mile from the store, and planned to file charges in Western Worcester District Court in East Brookfield.

Police declined to say whether they had arrested him for arraignment April 10 or whether he would be summoned to court at a later date.

On April 8, a man entered the market about 8:15 p.m. — 15 minutes before closing time — placed a bag and gun on the counter and told the clerk to put cash inside the bag. She complied and the man left the store with the bag of cash.

All of the stolen money was recovered, as was a brown pillow case and a replica toy hunting rifle. Police did not say whether the toy gun was used in the robbery.

Police came quickly after an alarm was triggered, reaching the store in about two minutes, the shop’s owner, Kevin P. Koslowski, said.

The clerk was shaken up but uninjured and she planned to return to work yesterday, he said. The clerk told police she believed the man who held her up had Down syndrome because of his distinctive facial features.

In the hours after the robbery, state police dogs, troopers and local officers combed the area but did not find the robber. It was unclear whether the robber had fled on foot or in a vehicle.