Older tourist strong-armed and robbed at waterfront park… [VIDEO – DEVELOPING]
Hyannis – Just after 1pm multiple Barnstable Police squad cars rushed towards Aselton Park at the intersection South and Ocean streets for a strong-armed purse snatching and robbery.
Two white males, one 6’1”, the other 5’7” tall, stole a purse, sweatshirts, and other valuable items from an older female tourist just out enjoying the weather and seeing the sights.
Officer Sean Roycroft and his K-9 Rocky immediately initiated a track which lead to a wooded area behind the armory, the trails leading up to behind the Hyannis Mets ballpark and neighboring softball field.
Meanwhile, multiple police units and one off-duty Barnstable Police sergeant swarmed Old Colony Road and surrounding neighborhoods near the Pope John Paul II High School.
Suddenly, Officer Roycroft could be heard commanding a person of interest to show his hands and come out from hiding in the wooded area between the ball fields. The person of interest was handcuffed and taken back to the scene where the victim was unable to positively identify him. According to police sources, the male was released, unlikely one of the suspects, although very likely hiding in the wrong wooded area at the wrong time…
As the search continued, the female victim became ill and needed to be transported to Cape Cod Hospital by Hyannis Rescue. It is believed the victim was overcome with the stress of the robbery and her current state is said to be non-life-threatening.
A Barnstable County Crime Scene Investigator was summoned to the hospital to take photos, as officers continued the investigation on that front.
Officers also checked local businesses for video surveillance evidence. At one point police were particularly interested in a camera angle from the Hess gas station on Ocean Street.
At this point, this is an active and open investigation. Police are still searching and collecting evidence which will hopefully lead to the arrest and positive identification of the two assailants.
Hyannisnews.com will bring you updates as they become available.
5/13/2013
Movie, photos, and story by Robert Bastille, Hyannisnews.com