FROM THE REGION.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

COLUMN: FROM THE REGION

Westboro

Worcester man flees from courthouse

WESTBORO - A Worcester man who apparently did not want to spend the holidays in jail bolted from Westboro District Court yesterday after authorities sought to revoke his bail.

An arrest warrant was issued for George M. Berberian, 23, of 38 Ideal Road, Worcester.

Mr. Berberian was late for his arraignment on a charge of larceny over $250. The charge was in connection to allegations that he stole $1,800 in merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods in Northboro while he worked there between Oct. 20 and Nov. 29.

A default warrant was issued and then recalled after Mr. Berberian called court officials at noon to say that he was on his way. When he was brought before Judge Vito Virzi, Assistant District Attorney Julie Richard requested that his bail on another outstanding case be revoked.

Assistant Clerk Magistrate Carmine Simonelli said Mr. Berberian bolted from the courtroom and out of the courthouse. Several court officers and police officers from Shrewsbury and Westboro who were at the courthouse on other cases chased Mr. Berberian, but were unable to catch him.

"They were looking to put him in jail for 60 days," said Mr. Simonelli.

Mr. Berberian has four open cases that include charges of breaking and entering in the nighttime with the intent to commit a felony, knowingly receiving stolen property and larceny. He also has an extensive criminal record, mostly for break-ins and larcenies.

Worcester

City man charged in Main St. stabbing

WORCESTER - Police arrested a Waller Avenue man yesterday in connection with a stabbing Monday in front of the 7-11 convenience store at 501 Main St.

Alexis Grajales-Pagan, 18, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and armed assault with intent to murder. He was apprehended around 9:30 a.m. as he entered Central District Court on Main Street for an appearance in an open case, police said.

Police said the investigation so far has revealed an altercation between two rival gangs started in front of City Hall. A police officer assigned to the area noticed the disturbance as the two groups of males walked toward the convenience store. A fight ensued, but dispersed as police arrived. Shortly after fleeing the area, the victim walked into St. Vincent Hospital suffering from stab wounds to his abdomen, chest and arms. He was listed in critical but stable condition, and is expected to survive, police said.

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