Man Robs CVS to Feed His Family, Says Methuen Chief

A Lawrence man is due to be arraigned on robbery charges from Methuen Police in connection with two separate neighborhood robberies Sunday within a three-hour span.

Hector L. Martinez, 35, of Lawrence, was arrested Monday after detectives received a telephone call from a social media follower, according to Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon. Martinez is charged with one count of armed robbery and one count of unarmed robbery in connection with robberies Sunday morning at CVS Pharmacy, 76 Swan St. and at Family Dollar, 40 Jackson St., Methuen. Solomon said Martinez lived one block away at 16 Corner St., Apt.2, Lawrence.

“Based upon the investigation, we have learned from Hector that he has been supporting two of his children and he committed these robberies, according to him, in order to be able to help put some food on the table for his family. We are just glad that this is over and that the fear that was instilled into our citizens in that neighborhood is no longer an issue,” Solomon said.

Solomon credited the use of social media which he said resulted in more than 11,000 views of surveillance video from the robberies. “One of the best ways we can combat crime and have crime prevention and solve crimes is through the eyes and ears of our community,” Solomon said.