Police Arrest Suspect in Walmart Armed Robbery

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The suspect in an armed robbery of the local Walmart is facing multiple charges, including for stealing a pickup truck. 
 
The robbery occurred on Friday morning when Walmart employees contacted police around 7 a.m. to report a man had brandished a firearm at them and demanded money. 
 
The suspect got into a red pickup and drove toward Church Street. Officers were quickly in the area and began to pursue the vehicle. The driver stopped the truck at Hillside Cemetery, and fled run on foot. A short foot pursuit ensued, and officers were able to apprehend the suspect quickly. One officer sustained injuries during the arrest but is expected to make a full recovery.
 
?The suspect was found in possession of a duffle bag containing an AR-15 pistol, with a 30-round high-capacity magazine containing 17 rounds. The suspect took approximately $5,400 in cash from Walmart, which was recovered. The vehicle was found to be stolen out of Bennington, Vt.
 
?This case is still under investigation by the North Adams Police Department, which commended the Walmart employees for their quick actions and attention to details that helped lead to "such a smooth and successful apprehension."
 
Police have not yet identified the suspect. 
 
The charges associated with this incident include, but are not limited to: armed robbery while masked; use of a firearm in commission of a felony; armed career criminal; firearm, ammunition, loaded firearm possession without license; larceny of motor vehicle; assault and battery; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; failure to stop for police; and resisting arrest.
 

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Veteran Spotlight: Marine Corp. Tim Woodward

By Wayne SoaresSpecial to iBerkshires
FALMOUTH, Mass. — Tim Woodward served his country in the Marine Corps as a corporal from 1983 to 1987. 
 
Having grown up with Tim, you knew he was the type of person who would succeed at whatever he attempted. His drive and discipline set him apart from his peers, even at a young age. He would have four college acceptances after graduating from Falmouth High School, but put them on hold to enlist in the Marines, where he did his basic training at Parris Island, S.C. 
 
"It was definitely an eye opener," he said. "I had some pretty good preparation as my father and uncle were Marines. It was a lot of work, more mental than physical, and a lot of people weren't prepared for that. 
 
"I wasn't fearful. It was about earning the title of U.S Marines. I'm proud of the fact that I was selected for just about every leadership position in my platoon, including Honor Man. I had a great time."
 
Woodward's first assignment would take him to the former Naval Air Station Memphis in Tennessee for aviation electronics training through a rolling admissions program. 
 
"Made it all the way through — I was pretty good at troubleshooting. I always wanted to fly jets but ended up working on them," he said. "After schooling, I was sent to Whidbey Island, north of Tacoma and Seattle, Wash., where I was attached to Navy Squadron VAQ-129, where I learned to test the electronics on the Grumman EA 6B Prowler.
 
"I also did five months with VAQ-29. I remember when you drove into the base the sign overhead said, 'EXCUSE OUR NOISE, IT'S THE SOUND OF FREEDOM,'" Woodward said. "I had a chance to climb on the jets, wash them like your car, walk on the wings — lots of good memories." 
 
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