Police issue arrest warrant for Walgreens robber

Date: 2/28/2012

Feb. 27, 2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Police Department has identified and obtained an arrest warrant for the man responsible for robbing the Walgreens on Maple Street on Jan. 30.

Eugene Flemming, 54, of Connecticut is being sought in connection with an incident during which he reached over the counter and grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash when the clerk opened the drawer to complete a transaction.

"Eugene Flemming is a resident of Connecticut, but his whereabouts are unknown at this time," Sgt. Patrick Manley told Reminder Publications. "His last known address was in Somers, but his ex-wife who lived there had a restraining order against him and he was also evicted, so he is of unknown address at this time."

The clerk attempted to stop Flemming, but was pushed away. After stealing the money, Flemming ran from the store and jumped into a car, driven by a woman, which sped off.

Manley said the identification of Flemming was due in large part to a citizen's cooperation.

"The most important thing here is that a normal citizen helped us in this case," Manley said. "A private citizen driving by saw the police cruisers and saw the man running and getting into the car. She was able to get the license plate number and provided it to us."

With the license plate information, the police were able to trace the car back to Bradley International Airport, where it was leased.

From there the investigation led to a person who was able to identify Flemming, at which time the Police Department began pursuing a warrant.

Anyone with any information regarding Flemming's whereabouts, should call the Police Department at 525-5440.