LEWISTON – Police arrested three people suspected of tying up a pizza delivery man, holding knives to his throat and stealing his delivery money and personal items.
One by one Monday morning, detectives tracked down a teenager and two men accused in the Sunday night heist at 42 River St.
“We have recovered all the money that was stolen and the weapons that were used,” said Lewiston Police Detective Brian O’Malley.
At about 1 a.m., police found 20-year-old Jesus Rodriguez, of 48 River St., and took him in for questioning. Rodriguez, who lives down the hall from the apartment where the heist occurred, was charged with robbery.
At about 10 a.m., investigators found a 15-year-old suspect at his home in Auburn. He was also charged with robbery.
An hour later, police went to 282 Main St. in Auburn after learning additional suspects might be in an apartment there. At that address, they found 20-year-old Eric St. Pierre, of 253 Main St., Auburn, hiding in a back bedroom, police said.
St. Pierre was charged with robbery.
Police said there may be more arrests as the investigation continues. O’Malley said the victim of the attack was a man in his 20s who was delivering pizza for Domino’s when he was jumped by a group of people.
The assailants, wearing bandannas over their faces, threatened the delivery man with knives, tied him up and stuck a sock in his mouth, police said. The attackers then wrapped a bandanna around the victim’s face and left him bound inside the apartment as they fled.
“He was able to free himself, get to his car and call for help,” O’Malley said.
Police responded and an investigation began. O’Malley said neighbors who live on River Street were able to provide quick information about the attackers.
Police were also helped by video surveillance cameras at Wal-Mart in Auburn. O’Malley said the suspects went to the department store with a credit card stolen from the victim’s wallet and made purchases.
It was not disclosed how much money was taken in the 10:15 p.m. robbery.
On Monday, the suspects remained at the Androscoggin County Jail. They are expected to make initial court appearances later this week.
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