UPDATED: Dollar General store robbed twice in Wareham

Google Street View/CWN

James Michael Demers

WAREHAM – From Wareham Police: On Monday, December 17, at about 6:25 p.m., Wareham Police responded to the Cumberland Farms store on Depot Street for a report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival of Officer Charles Pillsbury, it was determined that a male handed the clerk a note saying he had a gun, and then verbalized that he had a gun, demanding all of the money. He then fled the store on foot in an unknown direction with a small amount of cash. An extensive area search by patrol officers and detectives unfortunately did not yield any clues.

Later at about, 9:50 p.m. a second robbery was reported at Dollar General on Cranberry Highway. It appears as though the same male came into that store, demanded money threatening to have a pistol. The male reached over the counter and grabbed money in the drawer, then fleeing the area in unknown direction. Again Wareham officers, assisted by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s department checked the area with negative findings. Both of the cases are under investigation by the Detective division and there were no injuries in either robbery.

Wareham Police/CWN

On Tuesday morning at 8:33 a.m. Wareham Police Communication Officer Sabina Flaherty received an emergency 911 call from the Dollar General store at 3137 Cranberry Highway for a robbery and a suspect armed with a handgun. Communication Officer Flaherty continued to get information while simultaneously Communication Officer Christian Tobia dispatched the call to police officers in the field. The description was given out that a white male with a bandana around his face, and blue coat armed with a handgun just fled the store. At that moment, Officer Stephen Joy, who was responding observed the suspect crossing the roadway from the Dollar General. Officer Joy further observed a handgun in the suspects back pants pocket. Officer Joy ordered him to the ground at gunpoint, and when approaching, the suspect resisted violently. Officer Joy began struggling with him, when a citizen, Joseph Parent, came over and held the suspects legs, allowing Officer Joy to handcuff the suspect. Officer Christopher Smith then arrived to assist Officer Joy. After the suspect was subdued, the firearm, which turned out to be a pellet gun was secured, and a Dollar General bag with money in it was found in his front pocket. The suspect, James Demers, 46, of East Wareham was arrested and transported to police headquarters, processed then taken to Wareham District Court. Demers is charged with, armed robbery and resisting arrest. Wareham police detectives believe this is unrelated to the robberies on Monday night.

Acting Chief John Walcek said, “This great arrest is the result of the excellent team work by members of the Wareham Police department. From the moment the call was received with the immediate action of our communications officers, quickly obtaining and disseminating key information, Officer Steve Joy was able to make an arrest, without any injury within minutes.” He further added, “Mr. Joseph Parent saw Officer Joy struggling with a potentially armed man, and his willingness to provide aid to the officer, greatly assisted in this apprehension and we are very grateful. Cleary, that was a brave and selfless act.” Finally he said, “Steve Joy is a veteran police officer with 25 years’ experience and continues to make a positive impact for the town.”



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