A Worcester man with a history of violent offenses was arrested recently on new charges of burglary and felony assault. Robert Banks, 26, hailing from Blackstone River Rd. in Worcester was apprehended following an incident that occurred in the early hours of June 17. Webster Police, with the assistance of Dudley Police, responded to a call regarding an altercation in a common hallway of a Lake Street residence, according to a social media post from Webster Police Department Massachusetts.
Upon arrival, officers encountered two victims, a juvenile and his father, who reported being assaulted by Banks – identified as the boyfriend of a tenant in the building. The juvenile victim explained to Officer Shane Murray that the assault unfolded after he asked for the music volume to be turned down; an altercation ensued with Banks punching the juvenile and his father. The victims managed to retreat and contact authorities while Banks attempted to intrude further into their dwelling. One victim was subsequently transported to UMASS Webster to treat their injuries.
A collaboration between Webster and Southbridge Police Departments, alongside Worcester Superior Court Probation Officers, allowed for positive identification of Banks, who was previously on court probation at the time of the June 17th incident. Almost a week later, in the early morning of June 24, Officers Murray and Bryan Blomgren located and arrested Banks, who refused to identify himself during the arrest.
Banks has been charged with two counts each of assault with intent to commit a felony, burglary with an assault, and assault and battery. Mr. Banks was on probation due to past indictments in Worcester in 2020 for charges that included kidnapping with a firearm, discharging a firearm, and armed robbery among other offenses, for which he served 18 months in the House of Corrections followed by 3 years of probation. Owing to the violation of his probation, Banks is currently being held on the new charges out of Webster. It's important to remember that all accused individuals are "presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law," as noted by the Webster Police Department.
