UPDATE: Rhode Island state police reported this morning the arrest of four suspects in Thursday’s FedEx truck robbery in Harvard. All four suspects are from the Bronx, New York. The four were transported to the state police Lincoln Woods barracks in Lincoln, Rhode Island, where they were held overnight for arraignment Saturday morning. A press release posted by the Rhode Island State Police states the arrests were the result of troopers responding to a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 95 and subsequent apprehension of the fleeing suspects.
A FedEx driver making a delivery in Harvard on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, was robbed in what police believe was a targeted attack.
The incident occurred around 12:43 p.m. on Stow Road. Two masked men emerged from a white, late-model Acura TLX and, according to the driver, forcefully took the package after threatening him. Although no weapon was shown, the suspects implied they were armed, the driver said. He was not injured.
Robbery in progress on Stow Road, Thursday, Jan. 9. (Photo courtesy of Harvard Police Department)
The vehicle had “very dark tinted windows and a Connecticut license plate bearing the partial letters ‘BN,’” according to the police, who learned the details from the driver, homeowner, and surveillance video. The homeowner told police the package contained a $1,900 Apple computer monitor.
"We want to emphasize the importance of community vigilance in light of this incident," said Harvard Police Chief James Babu. "We urge all residents to stay alert and report any unusual or suspicious activity immediately."
Police believe the crime was premeditated, as the suspect vehicle was spotted parked at the end of the driveway leading to the Stow Road residence at least four hours before the robbery. Home security footage taken by a camera at the residence captured key moments of the brazen daylight theft.
News of the robbery and the availability of dramatic video drew the immediate attention of local and regional news organizations, including WBZ and the Boston Globe.
The homeowner, Angelica Morgado, told a WBZ reporter Thursday afternoon that she had seen the car at the foot of her driveway Thursday morning as she took her children to school. She said when she returned home around noon, the car was still there. "I am Brazilian and in Brazil this is common, but here, no,” Morgado told the reporter. “I thought here was safe, but now no more. It's dangerous too."
In a statement emailed to a Globe reporter Thursday afternoon, FedEx spokesperson Adam Snyder, wrote, “We are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the local police in their investigation. The safety and well-being of our team members is our top priority, and we’re grateful no one was injured in this incident.”
In a press release posted on Facebook, Babu said the Harvard police are collaborating with regional law enforcement agencies and are following up on leads. A police report was not yet available at noon Friday, but Babu told the Press Friday morning that investigators believed the car’s license plate—or the car itself—was stolen.
Anyone who has information about the robbery or who may have seen the suspect vehicle in the area is asked to contact Harvard Detective Genetti at cgenetti@harvard-ma.gov or call 978-456-1212.
"We rely on the eyes and ears of our community," Babu said. "If you notice something that doesn't seem right, please contact the police. See something, say something.”
This is a developing story, which the Press will update as more information becomes available.
