Suspect with syringe robs two people on Rt. 1 in Saugus

SAUGUS – Police are investigating two similar incidents off Route 1 Wednesday evening, where a man used a syringe to hold up two people, according to police.The suspect, who police described as a white male, 5-foot-10, approximately 170 pounds, robbed a man at the Sears parking lot around 6:50 p.m., using a syringe he claimed contained HIV-infected blood.”He (the victim) was walking in the parking lot of Sears and (the suspect) said, ‘Give me your money or I’ll stab you with this needle,'” said Assistant Chief of Police Leonard Campanello.About 20 minutes later, another man said someone with a syringe attempted to rob him, this time in the parking lot at Kowloon Restaurant.Police said the suspect fled in the direction of the Red Roof Inn and was joined on foot by another white male, but police could not confirm if this second person was involved.”Certainly syringes are associated with IV drug use and that can create desperate situations,” said Campanello.Police believe the two incidents may be related, Campanello said Thursday.The suspect was described as clean-shaven and pale, wearing a gray-zipped hoodie, cargo shorts and a hat. A similar description was given in the second incident as well, with the second suspect wearing a brown zip-up jacket.Campanello said the suspect made off with about $20 in the first robbery and took off without any money in the second incident.Kowloon owner Donald Wong (who is also a state representative and selectmen chairman) said this was the first such incident to occur at his restaurant.”This is the first time I’ve heard of something like this,” said Wong. “I think it’s the economy. People in those situations, looking for their next connection, are desperate.”Campanello said officers are currently following up with witnesses and looking at evidence from nearby surveillance cameras.