Newton armed robbery suspect subdued by police lieutenant and store clerk

An armed robbery foiled by an on-duty police officer. It happened at a Newton store last Tuesday and it was all caught on surveillance video.

The clerk on duty was terrified while this was happening, but thankfully one of his favorite customers for years – who happens to be a Newton Police lieutenant – was just feet away and ready to take the suspect down.

It was a first for clerk Charlie Patel. A masked robber armed with a knife barged in, forcing his way behind the counter and demanded cash from the register.

The thief emptied out the register, unaware that just moments before a Newton Police officer – a regular at Corner Mini Mart – had just come in and greeted Patel.

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When the thief entered the store, Lieutenant David Tempesta was in the back of the store, in full view of the robbery. He pulled his weapon and demanded the robber drop his knife.

Lt. Tempesta tried to restrain the thief, Patel helping too as the three of them knocked over items. Patel was dragged on the floor until two bystanders came in and helped subdue the thief.

The robber was arrested thanks to a group effort led by a lieutenant in the right place at the right time. An officer that clerk calls a “godsend.”

The suspect, Thomas Zekos, was arrested and appeared in court Tuesday for a dangerousness hearing.

Newton police say they’re proud of that lieutenant, who is a 35-year veteran of the force.

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