A Lawrence, Mass. man was arrested by Salem Police Tuesday after he reportedly assaulted a Kmart employee and threatened him with a knife.
Carmelo Baez, 35, was charged with robbery, second degree assault, criminal threatening with a weapon, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He was also charged on an electronic bench warrant.
The Kmart employee, a Loss Prevention officer who confronted Baez after he reportedly tried to shoplift from the store, was transported by Salem Fire to a local hospital where he was treated for a broken orbital bone, broken nose and possible concussion.
Police responded to the scene at 7:20 p.m. after they were contacted by Kmart LP regarding a robbery.
When police responded, Baez was found running through traffic on Route 28 north. Officer Ryan Sambataro was able to disarm Baez of his knife and take him into custody after a short struggle.
The LP officer reported that when he confronted the suspect about the theft outside of the building, Baez punched him in the face.
As Baez ran, he reportedly threatened the LP officer by stating that he had a knife an would stab him.
Baez is being held on $5,000 cash bail and was transported to Rockingham County Jail.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
