April 27, 2016
Contact: Tim Connolly 508-368-7236
Or 508-688-5565
LEOMINSTER – A suspect in an armed robbery at a local pharmacy was shot and wounded during a confrontation with police on Highland Avenue late last night, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Ryan Powell, 24, of 63 Colonial Drive, is listed in stable condition at the UMass-Memorial Hospital, Worcester, where is he expected to survive. He is being treated for a wound to his jaw.
Mr. Powell was placed under arrest and will be arraigned later today on charges of armed robbery, assault and battery and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Mr. Powell entered the CVS pharmacy at 9 Nelson St. at 10:42 last night and demanded narcotics from two employees. When his demand was denied he assaulted the employees. He pointed what appeared to be a gun at the employees who responded by handing over a bottle of OxyContin and a bottle of Xanax.
A short time later, Leominster police officers found the suspect behind 181 Highland Ave. Mr. Powell again appeared to be armed with a handgun. He was ordered to drop the weapon several times. He raised the apparent gun to his head several times. The firearm was discharged in the air and then directed at the officers. A Leominster officer fired one shot at Mr. Powell striking him in the lower face.
State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the police-involved shooting. The police officer, whose name will not be released at this time, has been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation in accordance with department policy.