Two men from Peabody and Lowell were arrested this week and are facing charges after two separate knifepoint robberies in Salem earlier this month, police said. The suspects, identified as 61-year-old John McCabe of Peabody and 49-year-old Edgar Morales of Lowell, are being held without bail ahead of dangerousness hearings scheduled for next week.
In a press release via the City of Salem Police Department, officers said the first incident took place on April 12 when a female motorist's vehicle broke down on Harmony Grove Road. An older man who initially appeared to offer help allegedly pulled a knife, took cash and personal belongings, and warned the victim not to contact law enforcement.
Three days later, according to the department, a suspect walked into the Speedway on North Street, pressed a knife against a clerk's back and forced the employee into a separate room before fleeing with cash.
Charges And Court Dates
As reported by Salem Patch, McCabe was arrested on charges that include armed and masked robbery and intimidation of a witness. Morales was charged with armed robbery, kidnapping and multiple counts related to assault with a dangerous weapon. According to Patch, both men are being held without bail pending dangerousness hearings set for April 28 and April 29 in Salem District Court.
Police Cite Prior Records
Salem police described McCabe as having a "significant criminal history" and said Morales has a "long and extensive criminal record," according to the City of Salem Police Department. Investigators said those prior records helped narrow their focus during the investigation, while noting that any specific past convictions would be detailed in court filings rather than the public statement.
What Dangerousness Hearings Mean
Under Massachusetts law, prosecutors can ask a judge to hold a defendant before trial at a dangerousness hearing under G.L. c.276 §58A if they argue the person poses an unreasonable risk to the community. According to Mass.gov, if a judge finds clear and convincing evidence of dangerousness, the defendant can be ordered held without bail until trial or until the court revisits the conditions of release.
Detectives say the investigation is still active and are asking anyone with information or video to contact Salem police. Local outlets have summarized the arrests, and the department's full statement remains posted on its Facebook page. As Salem Patch noted, next week's dangerousness hearings will determine whether McCabe and Morales continue to be held without bail.
