Man Arrested for Allegedly Dousing Worker With Gasoline

John Soiles to be arraigned on charges of armed robbery, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon

Police have arrested a man they allege doused a Lowell, Massachusetts, convenience store clerk with gasoline and threatened to set the man on fire.

Police announced Wednesday that 30-year-old John Soiles was taken into custody at about 10 p.m. Tuesday.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on charges of armed robbery while masked and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.

Police released surveillance images of the suspect, and Capt. Thomas Kennedy said tips from the public were critical in making the arrest.

A man walked into Jerry's Food Store carrying a small bottle filled with gasoline at about 7:20 p.m. Sunday, threw some gas on the worker and showed a cigarette lighter.

The man demanded money and fled with $800 to $900.

The clerk was not hurt.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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