Robbery suspects chased-down by Springfield police

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - An armed robbery turned into a dangerous chase involving Springfield Police early Friday morning.

According to Lt. David Martin, three armed suspects wearing red ski masks robbed the 7-Eleven at 450 Cooley Street around 1:00 A.M. Two men entered the store with their weapons, while the third man remained in the getaway vehicle. One of the suspects jumped the counter, then grabbed the cash register and some cigarettes. The other man was pointing his gun at people in the store.

Lt. Martin said the men loaded the entire cash register into a getaway vehicle.

A police officer in the area heard about the robbery, saw a vehicle that matched a description driving down Allen Street, and began a pursuit.

The car did not stop and was chased toward Sumner Ave.

Eventually the suspects bailed out and started running through people's yards.

One suspect was immediately arrested. The other two ran into the woods between Wachusett Street and Shady Brook Lane.

Police surrounded the area and eventually arrested those suspects:

• Alexander Mendoza, 18, Springfield

• Hasan Mahdi, 17, Springfield

• Mario Deshazo, 19, Springfield

They are charged with armed robbery and resisting arrest as well as other traffic violations. The men will be arraigned Friday.

Lt. Martin told 22News they found the cash register, but so far, have not been able to find the suspects' guns.