Pizza Delivery Man Robber Almost Strikes Again

Salem police believe the suspect wanted in connection to at least two different armed robberies of pizza delivery men attempted to claim another victim on Monday.

Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten said officers responded to Blue House Pizza at about 4:30 p.m. Monday after a delivery order was placed for "the exact same" menu items and location — 103 Cluff Crossing Road — used during a Jan. 19 knifepoint robbery.

The callback number provided for the order came back disconnected, and police found no one waiting at 103 Cluff Crossing Road for the delivery, according to Patten.

The Salem Police Department is warning all local eateries that deliver food to use caution and confirm addresses and contact information because "it appears this particular delivery was set up for a robbery." 

There have been two recent similar crimes in the area, one at an undisclosed date involving a Methuen, Mass., business just over the state line in Salem, as well as the Jan. 19 robbery.

Officers responded to the Cluff Crossing Road Apartments around 8:04 p.m. on Jan. 19 after a 21-year-old delivery worker reported that a man came up from behind him and put him in a headlock.

Patten has said the suspect "stated he had a knife" and demanded "all of the money" or else the suspect would "kill" the delivery man. The victim reported that he felt a "sharp object" pressing into the back of his neck, according to Patten.

The suspect fled the area on foot after making off with the cash.

A witness in a nearby apartment saw the suspect "running down he hallway and out the door," according to Patten. Patten has said a K9 unit was used to track the suspect "a short distance" to another nearby building, although the trail ended there.

The suspect is described as a "stocky" white man who is about 6-feet, 1-inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. The suspect is believed to be in his mid-20s, and had stubby facial hair and was wearing a black hat and jacket at the time of the robbery.

Police ask anyone with additional information to contact the Salem Police Department at (603) 893-1911 or the Southern New Hampshire Crimeline at (603) 893-6600.