Beverly man arraigned on charges in connection with Westford robbery and assault

                                                                                          
The following is a press release from the Middlesex District Attorney’s office:

A Beverly man was arraigned on charges alleging that he robbed a Westford liquor store and violently assaulted a female clerk, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said yesterday.
 
Michael Whitcomb, 41, was arraigned yesterday in Lowell Superior Court on charges of unarmed robbery and assault and battery.  Lowell Superior Court Judge Paul Chernoff ordered Whitcomb held on $50,000 cash bail.  

He is due back in court on Dec. 22 for a pre-trial conference.  
 
According to authorities, on Oct. 4, Westford Police responded to a report of a robbery at a liquor store on Littleton Road in Westford.  Upon arrival, police located the store clerk who was evidencing injuries to her face and head.  The victim’s son was also present and spoke with police.  It is alleged that the defendant entered the liquor store and placed some items from the store on the counter by the cash register.  

Authorities allege that the defendant then ran behind the counter and began punching and beating the clerk on her head and face.  It is further alleged that the defendant then stole approximately $300 from the cash register and fled from the store.  The victim’s son had been in the basement of the store and ran upstairs when he heard his mother screaming.  The victim’s son ran after the defendant in an attempt to stop him.  

The defendant allegedly entered a waiting car which then drove away from the scene.  The victim was transported to Lowell General Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.
 
The robbery and assault on Oct. 4 was captured on surveillance video inside the liquor store.  Westford police immediately began an investigation into the robbery and assault and a warrant for his arrest was issued on Oct. 28.  The defendant was indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on Nov. 8.
 
These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
 
The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Pamela Wechsler.  The victim witness advocate is Maura Ryle.