Early Morning Robbery Has Familiar Characteristics

Has the early bird bandit struck again?

At around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a 911 call from Dunkin' Donuts at 1973 Main St. reporting an armed robbery.

According to the Police Department log entry, the attacker brandished a knife and was described as a white male, wearing a blue hoodie and glasses. According to the entry, after the robbery the man fled the scene and headed down Shawsheen Street toward Billerica.

According to the log, officers initially sought to bring in a K-9 unit to aid in the search. Officers also spent time Tuesday morning going door-to-door, canvassing the Shawsheen Street neighborhood, in search of information or witnesses to the robberies.

No further details were immediately available. But the description of the suspect, weapon and time of attack are very similar to two robberies of a Shell gas station within the last two weeks. In addition, the suspect in each of the  robberies was seen heading either toward or down Shawsheen Street.

The Shell Station that was hit twice is right next door to the Dunkin' Donuts that was robbed Tuesday morning.

Police officials declined comment on the most recent robbery.

The TPD has been asking the public for its help relative to the two Shell Station robberies.

Anyone with information relative to these robberies is asked to contact the Dispatch Center at 978-851-7373.  If you wish to remain anonymous,  call the Tip Line at 978-851-0175.

Tewksbury Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.