Police launched a large-scale search for a man suspected in a gunpoint robbery in the city's South End early Monday morning.
SPRINGFIELD -- Police flooded northern sections of the Forest Park neighborhood in search of a man responsible for a gunpoint robbery around 4:27 a.m. Monday in the city's South End.
The incident happened at or near 487 East Columbus Ave., which is a gas station/convenience store, according to property records. Authorities didn't identify whether an individual or business was targeted in the crime.
Police units from all over the city searched Leete Street, Fort Pleasant Avenue, Longhill Street and other sections of Forest Park for the suspect, who allegedly jumped into a gray Dodge Neon that was last seen eastbound on Leete Street toward Fort Pleasant Avenue.
As the chaotic scene unfolded, officers on foot searched streets near the robbery site while others went further afield to homes on Daviston Street and Pendleton Avenue. It wasn't immediately clear why those addresses were checked, but at least one location is believed to be the suspect's last known address, according to police reports.
The suspect -- a known subject to police -- remained at large as of 6 a.m., and authorities were still attempting to identify the driver of the presumed getaway vehicle. That car -- a Dodge Neon matching the description of the suspect vehicle -- was later recovered on Longview Street, triggering a K-9 search of the area.
Police reported finding a gun at around 4:40 a.m. on Edgeland Street, near the corner of Longview Street. Investigators said they believe it's the same weapon used in the holdup.
It remains unclear if the suspect got away with money or merchandise.
Detectives were interviewing a person of interest around 7 a.m., but a law enforcement official contacted by The Republican was unable to provide more details.
The robbery suspect is believed to have ties to a Longhill Street address, according to police, who focused their search in that area and surrounding streets.
Meanwhile, officers secured the recovered vehicle so it could be removed from the scene and processed for fingerprints and other evidence.
More information will be posted on MassLive.com as it becomes available.
THE MAP BELOW shows the approximate location of a gunpoint robbery in the city's South End early Monday morning:
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