Police Arrest Gloucester Man Accused Of Armed Robbery

GLOUCESTER, MA – The Gloucester Police arrested a man who was allegedly involved in an armed robbery Monday afternoon. John W. Pacheco, 35, of Gloucester, was arrested on charges of larceny from a person, armed robbery while masked, assault with a dangerous weapon, and resisting arrest.

At approximately 5 p.m., Gloucester Police were dispatched to the Maplewood Car Wash on Maplewood Avenue for a report of an armed robbery.

Upon arrival, officers learned that a masked suspect, later identified as Pacheco, entered the business holding a two-tone handgun and demanded money from the cashier. When the cashier initially did not comply, Pacheco allegedly cocked the weapon and repeated his demand.

After being handed a quantity of cash, Pacheco fled the building. Following an initial investigation, officers broadcasted a description of the suspect to fellow officers in the area.

Shortly afterward, another officer observed Pacheco inside the Oak Grove Cemetery and began pursuing him on foot after he fled. Police quickly caught up to Pacheco and took him into custody, finding that he was allegedly still in possession of the mask and gloves he had allegedly been wearing, as well as the stolen cash.

After further investigation, a Gloucester Police detective recovered both the realistic-looking airsoft handgun and gray sweatshirt that Pacheco had been wearing near a business bordering the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Interim Chief John McCarthy praised the work of officers in quickly apprehending the suspect.

"Within an hour, the suspect in a brazen daytime robbery was in custody thanks to the aggressive and diligent work of our officers," Chief McCarthy said.

Pacheco was held at the Gloucester Police Department pending his arraignment at Gloucester District Court.

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