Haverhill police arrest two in attempted robbery of armored car guard

By Globe Staff

At least one shot was fired today as a Brinks armored car guard fought off an assailant who tried to rip a money bag out of his hands at Riveredge Plaza in Haverhill, police said.

No one was struck by the gunfire and two suspects were pursued by Haverhill police into neighboring Plaistow, N.H., where they were arrested without incident. They were identified by Deputy Police Chief Donald Thompson as Isaac Sosa, 18, of Lawrence and Christopher Delarosa, 19, of Billerica.

Police said the Brinks guard was returning from a stand-alone ATM in the plaza when one of the suspects rushed him and tried to pull the money bag away shortly after 11 a.m. The two men fought and a shot was fired. Police said they have not formally identified who fired the round, but they said no weapons were found when the two men were arrested.

Unable to grab the money, the suspects jumped into a silver Scion and sped off. Haverhill officers working a construction detail nearby arrived and quickly broadcast a description of the vehicle. Another officer working a detail in another part of the city saw the car drive past and alerted dispatchers.

Officers pursued the vehicle into New Hampshire where the men were arrested without incident. The two men are to appear in a New Hampshire court today where Massachusetts authorities will seek to force their return to face charges of unarmed robbery and assault and battery.

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