Suspected Robber Strikes Somerville Officer in Attempt to Flee Scene

A Revere man is facing numerous charges for allegedly stealing items from the Saks at Assembly Row in Somerville and striking a police officer with his car in a frantic attempt to flee the scene.

Robert Preston was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for a police officer and shoplifting, police said.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Somerville police responded to the store after learning Preston had been hiding merchandise in a bag.

A store employee identified Preston to a a responding officer. Upon seeing the officer, Preston reportedly bolted away on foot, ignoring the officer’s request to stop.

Police said Preston entered a parked vehicle in the nearby K-mart parking lot and locked the doors. The officer reportedly drew his gun after he observed the suspect reaching for an unknown item. The officer ordered Preston out of the car, but he again refused to comply.

Preston turned on the car, struck the officer’s arm, and sped through the lot at a high rate of speed, police said.

After calling in backup, Preston was stopped in the area of Mystic Avenue and Bailey Road. He was then placed under arrest.