For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Methuen Police K-9 Leads Officers to Armed Robbery Suspect

METHUEN – Mayor Stephen N. Zanni and Chief Joseph Solomon report that Methuen Police K-9 Kilo led officers to a suspect in connection with an armed robbery over the weekend.

EDWARD THOMAS ORTA-RUIZ, AGE 42, OF LAWRENCE, was arrested and charged with:

• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Attempt to Commit a Crime: Armed Robbery

On Saturday, Aug. 19 at approximately 1:10 a.m., Methuen Police were dispatched to the China Star restaurant, 436 Prospect St., for a report of a woman who was robbed at gunpoint.

Upon arrival, police set up a perimeter for Officer Christine Nicolosi and K-9 Kilo. Officers spoke with the victim who stated that a male suspect, later identified as ORTA-RUIZ, had approached her while she was walking to her car, pointed a firearm at her and demanded money. The victim screamed and ORTA-RUIZ fled on foot.

Officer Nicolosi and Kilo were able to track ORTA-RUIZ to his residence on Ferry Street from a baseball hat that he was wearing, which fell off as he fled the scene. ORTA-RUIZ was taken into custody without incident and held at the Methuen Police Department pending his arraignment in Lawrence District Court.

“Our police department is prepared to respond to any incident,” Mayor Zanni said. “This is another proud moment for the City of Methuen as a dangerous suspect has been taken off of the streets.”

“Thanks to the quick work of responding officers and K-9 Kilo, we were able to apprehend this suspect without any further incident,” Chief Solomon said. “I am proud of the strong police work on this case.”

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