Two Men Arrested In Connection With Stun Gun Robberies

New Bedford Police say two men have been arrested in connection with a series of robberies where a stun gun was used.

Detective Captain Steven Vicente says that investigators from the New Bedford Police Detective division and the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section have been conducting surveillance on a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer that it's believed was used in the robberies.

Officers converged on the Trailblazer after it parked behind a Cumberland Farms near Wareham Crossing around 10 p.m. Monday.

The alleged robber, identified as Rashaun Raheem Burgess, and his alleged lookout, Carlos Martinez, were arrested.

Vicente says Burgess had clothing that matching the type that was described in previous robberies and a pink stun gun was located in his vehicle.

Burgess allegedly had a knife in his possession.

Vicente says it's believed the suspects were in the process of committing an armed robbery at the store and decided to converge on the vehicle.

Burgess is being charged with three armed robberies at the One Stop gas station at Route 6 and 140 on May 11, Brock Ave. Variety Store on May 18, and Al Prime Energy on Rockdale Ave. on May 23.

He's also charged with two attemped armed robberies at the Cumberland Farms on Ashley Blvd. on May 29 and the Cumberland Farms on Acushnet Ave. on May 30.

Martinez is being charged as a joint venturer and is accused of entering the store targeted in each robbery and making a small purchase while surveying the business before Burgess entered the store and allegedly robbed it.

He is facing two counts of armed robbery of One Stop gas station at Route 6 and 140 and Al Prime Energy on Rockdale Ave. and two counts of Attempted Armed Robbery of the Cumberland Farms on Ashley Boulevard and the Cumberland Farms on Acushnet Ave.

Both men were scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning in New Bedford District Court.

Vicente says New Bedford Police have been in contact with their counterparts from Fall River, Taunton, and Fairhaven where similar robberies occurred and it's believed the suspects will be charged in a similar fashion.