The suspect implied that he had a gun in his pocket, police said.
Michael MessierThis updates a story originally filed at 6:49 a.m.
SPRINGFIELD – A police officer, heading home Monday morning after working an extra-detail overnight, spotted a 44-year-old Holyoke man suspected of robbing the East Columbus Avenue Starbucks a short time before.
Sgt. John M. Delaney said the manager of the Starbucks, located at 1089 East Columbus Ave., called 911 at about 5 a.m. to report that the store had just been robbed by a white male with long hair who implied that he had a handgun in his pocket.
Officer John Zollo, just off his extra-detail, spotted a suspect matching the description walking on Dwight Street near Falcon Way, Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said.
Detectives responded and brought the man to the Starbucks where two witnesses and victims positively identified the suspect. Police found a knife that the suspect dropped after the alleged robbery and also a small amount of currency stuffed into his sock.
Michael Messier, 44, of 253 Oak St., Holyoke, was charged with armed robbery.