Convicted Felon And Sex Offender Charged With Armed Robbery

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Police swarmed a homeless camp behind Walmart on Gold Street on Wednesday and arrested a man that police say committed an armed robbery earlier in the day.

Shoppers at Walmart said police with “long guns” told customers to stay in the store as they made entry into the homeless encampment located between the highway and the store's parking lot.

Police arrested Michael Regan, 54, of Manchester, who has no set street address, according to police. Manchester Police Spokesperson Heather Hamel said Regan matched the description of a man who walked into a crowded store earlier in the day, allegedly brandishing a large black revolver, and demanding money. He was accused of not immediately cooperating with police — but eventually came out of a tent and was taken into custody without further incident, according to police.

Regan was charged with felon in possession of a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, and resisting arrest. He was also found to have two active warrants, one for duty to report (registered sex offender) and another for possession of a controlled drug.

At about 11:30 a.m., police responded to Fast Track convenience store on South Willow Street for a report of an armed robbery. The robbery suspect they said fled on foot towards Claremont Avenue.

The rail-trail that runs behind Claremont Ave is a direct route to the homeless encampment where Regan was located. The homeless encampment behind Walmart near the highway is the latest location of a growing encampment. Manchester has been challenged with homeless encampments, and multiple people arrested for crimes near the homeless encampments.

Regan will be held until a court hearing which has not been determined at this time.