NORWOOD – What began as a routine traffic stop on Thursday night quickly unraveled into a foot pursuit and a violent carjacking and robbery that ended with two men in custody, thanks in part to a sharp-eyed officer and a helpful local citizen.
Just before 10pm on July 16, Norwood Police Officer Sean Kelly spotted a Honda Accord driving on Broadway completely in the dark, with neither its headlights nor taillights illuminated.
When Officer Kelly attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver allegedly led police on a brief pursuit before abruptly ditching the car and taking off on foot.
While Officer Kelly was hunting for the suspects, a citizen walking their dog flagged him down and pointed out exactly where the duo had run. With that citizen’s tip, Officer Kelly spotted the suspects sprinting through the Winter Street area toward Walpole Street. Following a brief foot pursuit with the assistance of arriving officers, Kelly successfully tackled and apprehended both individuals.
As the suspects were being placed in handcuffs, a seemingly unrelated service call was coming into Norwood dispatch from the McDonald’s on Broadway.
The caller reported that he had just been lured to Norwood under false pretenses to meet someone. Instead, the victim was ambushed, assaulted, and robbed of his cell phone, keys, and car. The victim, who suffered minor injuries that were later documented by police, realized his stolen vehicle was the exact same Honda Accord that Officer Kelly had just been involved in a chase.
Norwood Officers Baker and Kelly interviewed the victim and the suspects. According to police, the investigation allowed officers to piece together the entire timeline of the setup and subsequent robbery.
“This case highlights the value of proactive policing, outstanding teamwork, and quick decision-making on behalf of the officers of the 4-12 shift,” Norwood Police said in a statement. “What began as a simple motor vehicle violation quickly developed into the apprehension of two robbery suspects, the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the successful investigation of a violent crime.”
The department extended its gratitude to the dog walker whose quick thinking helped officers lock down the perimeter and secure the arrests.
Police identified the arrestees as Johanns Miranda Pizarro, 23, of Boston, and Demarcus Atkins, 20, of Norwood. Both men are being charged with carjacking, unarmed robbery, assault and battery, conspiracy to commit a crime as well as multiple motor vehicle offenses. They are due to be arraigned in Dedham District Court.
Both Pizarro and Atkins are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. -RD
Editors note: proactive policing solves and deters more crime than people realize. Shoutout to NPD and Officer Sean Kelly for adopting proactive policing strategies and keeping Norwood safe.
