Northshore Mall robbery suspect allegedly wore 'Scream' mask, threatened shooting
PEABODY – The man accused of robbing a jewelry store in the Northshore Mall while wearing a "Scream" movie mask was ordered held without bail on Tuesday, pending a dangerousness hearing.
Peabody police said 21-year-old Starlin Batista wore the mask into Kay Jewelers on Monday at 12:45 p.m. and handed them a note claiming he had a gun.
"Put everything in the bag. I'll give you two minutes before I shoot. Don't make a sound," the note said, according to police.
Batista allegedly got away with several necklaces and watches.
Police said they found Batista on a road near the mall, still wearing the mask. They said he was carrying a BB gun and attempted to run but was quickly captured.
He is charged with one felony count of armed and masked robbery.
"Thanks to the quick actions of our security team and Peabody Police, the robbery suspect was swiftly apprehended and put into police custody without incident," Northshore Mall said in a statement. "While this was an isolated incident, and no lockdown was ordered or required, a few stores chose to close their gates."
Peabody police said no one was hurt.