Tewksbury Police Arrest Backpage.com Robber

Photos Courtesy Tewksbury Police Department

Following a lengthy investigation, Tewksbury Police have made an arrest following two separate incidents at both the Motel Six in July and the Holiday Inn over the weekend.

On August 10, the Tewksbury Police Department arrested Christian Cepeda-Ortiz, 22, of 5 Warwick St, Apt.3, Lowell for three counts of armed robbery, three counts of armed assault with the intent to rob, aggravated rape, kidnapping and witness intimidation.

After a lengthy investigation into two separate robberies which occurred at the Motel 6 on July 1 and at the Holiday Inn on August 8, Tewksbury Detectives were able to identify, track down, and arrest Cepeda-Ortiz in Lowell. There were two victims at the Holiday Inn.

Investigators learned Cepeda-Ortiz was seeking out individuals who were posting in the adult section on Backpage.com, meeting with them, and robbing them at knife point.

The Tewksbury Police Department asks anyone who may have been a victim of Cepeda-Ortiz to call Tewksbury Detectives. Evidence recovered after arrest has led Detectives to believe there may be other victims out there who may not have reported an incident to police.

Cepeda-Ortiz is expected to be arraigned on August 11 at Lowell District Court.

The Tewksbury Police Department urges any citizens who suspect criminal activity to call the Dispatch Center at 978-851-7373. If you wish to remain anonymous please call the Tip Line at 978-851-0175 or send an email to tewks_detectives@tewksbury-ma.gov.