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Detective Paul Holey,
On January 29, 2008, at approximately 1930 Hours, SIU Detectives Paul Holey and Ross Panacopoulos were on routine unmarked patrol in plain clothes in West Lynn near the Saugus line. As the detectives were checking the area, they observed a male near the Honey Dew Donut Shoppe acting in a suspicious manner. More specifically, Detective Panacopoulos and Detective Holey observed him pulling on the strings of his sweatshirt hood in an attempt to cover his face, giving them reason to believe this subject was in the early stages of preparing to commit a robbery. Because the individual’s behavior seemed suspicious, Detective Holey quickly positioned his unmarked unit in a manner so that they could further observe him and monitor his actions. Shortly thereafter, the suspect entered the business, produced a handgun and began to rob the female clerk. Detective Holey and Detective Panacopoulos made a split second decision to immediately enter the store in order to stop the robbery in progress and prevent any injury to the female clerk behind the counter. Detective Holey entered through the front door with his weapon drawn and Detective Panacopoulos began to move to the rear of the store to attempt to block any means of escape by the suspect. Upon entering through the front door, Detective Holey immediately ordered the subject to drop the weapon. The suspect, while still holding the handgun, turned and began to run toward the rear of the store. The fleeing individual was able to exit the building before Detective Panacopoulos was able to block his exit. He was then pursued on foot by both Detective Holey and Detective Panacopoulos, and all available units were requested to move in and secure the surrounding streets to prevent his escape. Once the area was secured and cordoned off, a yard by yard search began and the suspect was ultimately found hiding in a dumpster a short distance away. The keen observations of both Detective Holey and Detective Panacopoulos, followed by their quick and decisive actions, prevented the robbery from occurring, saved the store clerk from potential harm, and led to the arrest of an armed suspect. Further investigation, led to the solving of a number of other armed robberies committed by this individual and a second accomplice; which took place in several cities from Lynn to the New Hampshire border. The suspect is well known to law enforcement officials in the greater Boston area and has a history of violent confrontations with the police over the past fifteen years. Detective Holey and Detective Panacopoulos exhibited the highest level of professionalism and dedication to duty as they disregarded their own personal safety to take this robbery suspect into custody. Utilizing their keen observatory skills, they immediately identified a suspicious individual, and then pursued and captured him within minutes of the incident.
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