SAUGUS – A Saugus man who allegedly stole $650 from a gas station on Rt. 1 Sunday, told police he did so to buy clothing for his son.Douglas G. Hurlbert, 50, of 43 School St., was charged with armed robbery and larceny over $250. He was arraigned Wednesday at Lynn District Court by Judge Elizabeth Cremens and ordered held on $10,000 cash bail. A probable cause hearing has been scheduled Oct. 28.A clerk at the Super Petroleum gas station, 1330 Broadway, told police a man entered the store saying he had a weapon and demanded all the $20 bills in the cash register. The suspect, later identified as Hurlbert, was captured on video surveillance, wearing a Superman hat and a plaid jacket. A Saugus officer said he immediately recognized the suspect as Hurlbert, saying he has known him for 15 years.After positively comparing Hurlbert’s surveillance image with one on file at the state Registry of Motor Vehicles, the officer applied for a search warrant for Hurlbert’s home.During the search, Hurlbert was said to have become emotionally upset, covering his face in his hands when the officer said he recognized him from the video.Hulbert told police he didn’t remember what happened because he “was taking Klonopins and blacking out a lot.” He said he got a ride to the gas station and, once inside, put his right hand inside his coat to look as if he had a weapon and demanded money.When asked why he robbed the store, Hurlbert allegedly said he was sorry and that he gave some of the money to his girlfriend and some to his son who needed to buy clothing.
