Chief David Scott reports that the Pepperell Police Department interrupted an armed robbery in progress and arrested a man in connection with the incident.

CHRISTOPHER SHUTTLE, AGE 30, OF PEPPERELL was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery and Resisting Arrest.

At approximately 7:15 p.m. Thursday night, Pepperell Police responded to the Pepperell Family Pharmacy, 74 Main St., following a report of an armed robbery in progress.

A 911 caller reported that the suspect, later identified as SHUTTLE, had claimed to have a firearm and instructed employees to hand over prescription medication.

Upon arrival, officers located SHUTTLE behind the counter taking prescription drugs and used verbal commands in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. However, SHUTTLE allegedly became agitated and picked up a large wooden club he had carried with him into the pharmacy and stepped toward Sgt. Tom Maskalenko.

Sgt. Maskalenko fired his stun gun at SHUTTLE, striking him in the chest, but it was ineffective due to SHUTTLE wearing multiple layers of clothing. Detective John Coburn recognized that it was ineffective and holstered his firearm before tackling SHUTTLE, causing him to lose possession of the club.

Sgt. Maskalenko and Officer Dan Adams then assisted Detective Coburn in safely taking SHUTTLE into custody.

“This was a dangerous situation where our officers used tremendous restraint and risked bodily harm to safely apprehend this subject,” Chief Scott said.  “I commend these officers on a job well done.”

SHUTTLE was held overnight on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at Ayer District Court today.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.