Executive Summary
- Two Rhode Island suspects were arrested following a robbery spree across Massachusetts’ South Shore.
- The spree ended near a Duxbury Christmas festival where a pedestrian was threatened with a box cutter.
- Police utilized the victim’s “Find My” app to track stolen property and locate the suspects in Pembroke.
- Charges include armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Two Rhode Island residents have been charged in connection with a multi-town armed robbery spree that concluded near a holiday event in Duxbury, Massachusetts, authorities announced Sunday.
According to the Duxbury Police Department, Fernando Torres, 37, of Providence, and Victoria Lambert, 29, of Warwick, were taken into custody in Pembroke. Police allege the pair was involved in a series of incidents targeting the towns of Plymouth and Kingston before escalating in Duxbury.
The situation intensified around 2:30 p.m. on Arrowhead Road, a residential street located near the “Holly Days” village festival. A pedestrian reported that a tan sedan with Rhode Island license plates stopped abruptly beside him. Investigators state that Torres exited the vehicle, brandished a box cutter against the victim’s neck, and demanded his possessions.
Police say Torres forcibly took the man’s Apple Watch and red jacket before fleeing in the vehicle, which was allegedly driven by Lambert. Investigators later confirmed the sedan had been reported stolen in Rhode Island.
Law enforcement officers utilized the “Find My” application on the victim’s iPhone to track the location of the stolen Apple Watch. This digital trail led police to a gas station in Pembroke, where officers from the Pembroke Police Department and Massachusetts State Police detained the suspects. Stolen items were subsequently recovered from the vehicle.
Torres faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and armed assault with intent to rob a person over 60. Lambert has been charged with accessory after the fact. Both are expected to face additional charges from the Kingston, Pembroke, and Plymouth Police Departments.
Investigative & Safety Implications
This incident highlights the increasing role of consumer technology, such as location-tracking applications, in aiding real-time police operations and suspect apprehension. Duxbury Police Chief Michael Carbone noted the proximity of the violent encounter to a crowded community event, emphasizing the necessity for situational awareness even in residential or festive environments. As the investigation continues, coordination between municipal departments remains critical to addressing cross-border criminal sprees. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
