Man Allegedly Grabs $20 From Woman, Punctures Her Neck: WPD

WORCESTER, MA—A Worcester man is facing multiple charges after allegedly grabbing cash from a woman, assaulting her, threatening another, and then running from police.

Around 1:30 p.m. on July 26, Worcester police were called to the area of 32 Southbridge St., where an assault had just occurred. When officers got there, people were jumping up and down and yelling, "He went that way, up Beacon Street!"

The officer turned on to Beacon St and saw a male, later identified as Angelomar Melendez-Sterling, 21, Tirrell Street, who matched the description of the suspect. The officer talked to Melendez-Sterling, who started saying “Why are you stopping me?” before breaking into a full sprint toward Charlton Street, said police.

In a full on foot chase, Melendez-Sterling crossed busy streets causing multiple cars to slam on their brakes to avoid accidents. The officer eventually caught up with Melendez-Sterling on Hermon Street, where Melendez-Sterling was taken to the ground. The officer attempted to handcuff Melendez-Sterling, who continued to thrash and fight. At one point, Melendez-Sterling got back on his feet and rammed his shoulder into the officer, who was able to take him down again and take him into custody.

Another officer spoke with witnesses on Main Street and learned that Melendez-Sterling saw someone with a $20 in her hand, went up to her, and forcibly grabbed it from her. Witnesses ran after him and demanded that he return it, and he responded by taking out a metal object that looked like a multi-tool and punched the female victim in the neck with it, causing a puncture wound, said police.

As a male approached him, Melendez-Sterling took out a knife and threatened the male with it. Shortly afterward, the officer was flagged down.

Melendez-Sterling is charged with Unarmed robbery, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Tool), Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife), Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, and Resisting Arrest. He will be arraigned in Worcester District Court.

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