EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WGGB) — An East Longmeadow man was assaulted and robbed inside his garage last night, but police suspect say he became a target before he even got home.
They believe it all started with a routine, Sunday night shopping trip at the Big Y on North Main Street in East Longmeadow.
After loading up his car, the 59 year old returned to his Cedar Hill Road home and began unloading groceries. That’s when he was approached by a young Hispanic male.
“He had brief words with him, turned around and walked into the garage and hit the button to close the door,” says Sgt. Patrick Manley of the East Longmeadow Police Dept. “Before he knew what was happening, this male had run into the garage, attacked him, knocked him to the ground, choked him and stole his wallet from his pocket.”
East Longmeadow police believe the attack was premeditated. In fact, they believe the victim became the target long before he pulled into his driveway.
“He kind of thought that the car had followed him because he lives on a side street and he went down a couple of side streets to get home,” says Manley. “He noticed the vehicle behind him, but he didn’t really know that the car had started following him from the shopping center — we suspect that that might be the case.”
Police say grocery store parking lots are one of the easiest places to become a target because they’re often filled with cars. While you’re busy loading up your trunk, someone else could be sitting a few spots away, watching your every move.
“They’ll watch to see people come and go,” says Manley. “If they see someone who looks like a likely victim — a woman by herself maybe, an older person, somebody that it looks like they might be able to take advantage of, victimize them — They’ll follow them and then they’ll strike when the victim least expects it.”
They suspect the young Hispanic male who attacked and robbed the victim had a getaway driver.
East Longmeadow police say there was a similar incident in Springfield, but they have yet to link the two robberies.
While they search for the suspects, Manley says it’s important for residents to stay alert. Anyone can fall victim to this kind of crime, especially if you let down your guard.
If you suspect you’re being followed, the best thing you can do is drive straight to the police station.
Police say the victim sustained some scrapes and bruises, but his injuries didn’t warrant a trip to the hospital.
The suspects made off with the victim’s credit cards, identification cards and a small amount of cash.
These f..kin Spanish punks need to have their hands chopped off.
I get that these stories are good to share for public awareness, but it seems like any media coverage of the Turners area break ins led to more break ins. Some people read this and think “I could do that….” Sigh.
I am so sick of hearing about people getting robbed it makes me so sad. I don’t care how poor you are to assault the elderly Shame on you !!!!
Why would people want to do that? Work for your damn money don’t steal from people who do.
People just dont care. If we have a better president who cares about America and the economy people wouldnt have to steal. There would be more jobs and people would have money to support themselves. It is sad but people didnt want to make the right choice for president so were stuck with these people who have to steal. BTW isnt it the hispanics who voted more for Nobama and their the ones stealing. Its just a joke.
Disgusting.
There is always stealing going on….even in old days too! All races just we now have facebook to see it all go on.
This story is disturbing. Makes me think twice about going alone to the grocery store after dark. The actions of a few people should not be blamed on the President or on people of a particular background. Responses like that are racist and ignorant.
If the guy was following him why didnt he pull into 160 somers road elpd ? Or call the police and tell them someone is following him?
@Michelle Howland…Ppl have been stealing long before the current president and will be stealing after he leaves office. Let’s just face the fact that the ppl who do these things have no morals, values, and would rather commit crimes to make a living. There are jobs out there but these punks just don’t want to work, period.
Michelle Howland…Ppl have been stealing long before the current president and will be stealing after he leaves office. Let’s just face the fact that the ppl who do these things have no morals, values, and would rather commit crimes to make a living. There are jobs out there but these punks just don’t want to work, period.
All i am saying we need a better America for our kids to live in. Theres a shame there are people who do this stuff. Elderly are like little kids. They cant defend themselves. I pray that America will get better and people wouldnt have to do this stuff. A few bucks is not worth it.
There’s a fine line between racism and statistics.