LYNN — A 21-year-old Lynn man was arrested and charged with robbing the same victim on two separate occasions.
The 21-year-old victim told police he was walking on Chatham Street on Monday afternoon when he recognized a suspect, later identified as Hector Rivera, who robbed him a few months ago, Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.
The victim told police he didn’t report that incident — Rivera had allegedly claimed he was a cop and took $20 from the victim on that occasion, Kmiec said.
When the victim saw Rivera on Chatham Street on Monday, he confronted the suspect about the prior robbery. During the confrontation, Rivera allegedly punched the victim in the face and took his cell phone, Kmiec said.
Rivera took off running and went into a building at 145 Lewis St., Kmiec said.
Police were able to obtain a description of the suspect from the victim, who suffered minor injuries from the incident, and checked surveillance footage from the area of the robbery. Rivera was allegedly seen on video having an altercation with the victim and going into the Lewis Street building.
Rivera was arrested and charged with two counts of unarmed robbery, violation of the city knife ordinance, impersonating a police officer, motor vehicle breaking and entering with theft, assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to commit a crime and on warrants. The charges stem from both incidents.
