Lawrence robbery suspects worked for city through anti-crime grant

LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) - Officials say three alleged armed robbers captured after barricading themselves inside a Lawrence convenience store worked for the city as part of an anti-crime grant.

The Eagle-Tribune reports that the three teens worked for the public works department as part of the "Safe and Successful Youth Initiative Grant." The $800,000 federal program is for at-risk youth and is designed to curb crime among 18- to 24-year-olds.

Nineteen-year-old Michael Tesaun Alicea and 18-year-olds Richard Mora and Ruben Saldana picked up litter as part of the program. They're all scheduled for arraignment Tuesday.

Police say the trio barricaded themselves in the store Friday night, then surrendered after trying unsuccessfully to shoot their way out through a locked back door.

Police say the three are suspects in seven recent armed robberies.