Civilian Helps Officer Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect

Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis credited "tremendous police work" and an "informed, alert citizen" for the Sunday morning arrest of an armed man suspected in two gunpoint ATM robberies in Malden and Medford last month. 

Jason M. Mahoney, 34, of Malden was stopped by police after a witness reported a man matching the suspect's description near Eastern and Franklin Avenues - curiously, by the same Bank of America ATM where a woman was robbed two weeks ago. 

"The dispatcher...received a call from a passerby who said he observed a male he recognized from Malden Patch and As Malden Turns" as the robbery suspect, Molis said.

Malden Police Officer John Byrne responded to the call and "engaged Mahoney in conversation" at the scene, Molis said. After that, Byrne employed a pat-down search for any weapons in Mahoney's possession. 

According to the police report, Mahoney began to pull away and resist after Byrne discovered a handgun in his jacket. 

"At this point, it becomes a very tense situation, very dangerous for the cop," Molis said. 

After a brief struggle, Byrne pulled his gun on Mahoney and ordered him on the ground, Molis said. After securing the evidence, Mahoney reportedly tried to flee again, prompting another scuffle. 

This time, the original witness assisted the officer to help subdue Mahoney until backup arrived, Molis said. 

Mahoney now faces charges for allegedly resisting arrest, armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Police are also investigating his possible involvement in a robbery at another Bank of America ATM in Meford 

"Best of the Best"

The chief had no shortage of praise for the two men involved in the arrest, as well as the citizens who circulated surveillance photos released by the department on social media last week. 

"This is an informed, alert citizen who chose to get involved, call the police, and not only assist us by providing accurate and timely information, but also by responding to the officer's need during the struggle for assistance," he said.

Molis said he was not yet able to name the witness in question, but said the city would honor him for his help at some point in the future.  

Molis also praised Byrne for his "tremendous police work," noting he "clearly possesses all of the skills that are necessary to be a good police officer."

"It was an extremely volatile, tense situation that Officer Byrne confronted that morning, and I am extremely proud of the work he did," Molis said. "He is one of the best of the best." 

Molis called the case a "fine example of how the dissemination of information" via social media can help fight crime. 

"I have to credit Malden Patch and As Malden Turns as his source of information regarding this crime," Molis said.

"It was through those two sources of information that (the witness) not only had the general information about, but the photographic imagery of, the suspect, and the knowledge about the type of clothing he was wearing during these previous crimes and the locations where they happened."