LYNN — A 33-year-old Lynn man suspected of committing multiple robberies in the city was arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer, robbing a woman, and leading officers on a pursuit in his car, before crashing into a tree and bailing out of his vehicle early Saturday morning.
Christian Alvarez was charged with armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, impersonating a police officer, destruction of property, speeding, and other motor vehicle offenses. He is expected to be arraigned in Lynn District Court today.
Lynn Police responded to reports of a robbery on Iona Terrace at approximately 2:46 a.m. Saturday and learned that the suspect, later identified as Alvarez, had identified himself as a police officer and displayed a badge before grabbing the wallet of the female victim and fleeing the scene, Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.
The victim was able to provide officers with a description of the suspect and his vehicle, along with a partial plate number. Police checked the area and found the car a short time later on Broad Street. When police approached the car and attempted to speak with the driver, Alvarez, he took off with officers in pursuit, Kmiec said.
During the chase, Alvarez struck a parked car on Union Street, and when police tried to stop him on Union, he backed into a police cruiser and fled the area. Alvarez crashed into a tree on Silsbee Street and bailed out of his car, which prompted a foot chase. Police were able to chase him down and take him into custody on Union Street, Kmiec said.
Alvarez was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital to be treated for multiple injuries suffered during the crashes, Kmiec said.
While investigating the initial incident, police learned about two additional robberies with a similar suspect and vehicle description. Alvarez is suspected of committing those robberies as well — the victims were stopped both times by what they thought was an unmarked police cruiser because it had a flashing white light. Officers saw a similar light in Alvarez’s vehicle, Kmiec said.
“It is believed that Alvarez is responsible for three robberies in Lynn on Saturday,” Kmiec said. “Detectives are looking into whether he can be linked to a similar robbery that previously occurred in Lynn and additional crimes in other communities. Police believe that Alvarez may have been targeting Hispanic victims, who may be less likely to report the incidents to police.”
Any victims are encouraged to come forward and report similar incidents to police.
