Two men are facing charges after Norwood police say a commuter was robbed and had his car taken at the Norwood Central commuter rail station, setting off a search that ended with a brief foot chase on Winter Street and two arrests. Officers recovered the victim’s Honda Accord, which had already caught the attention of patrol officers earlier in the night during a separate attempted traffic stop, according to police. The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Johanns Miranda Pizarro of Boston and 20-year-old Demarcus Atkins of Norwood, now face charges including unarmed robbery, carjacking, conspiracy and assault and battery.
How police say the stop turned into a robbery
Norwood police say a patrol officer first tried to pull over a Honda Accord on Broadway at about 9:40 p.m. after noticing it was being driven without headlights or taillights and had run a stop sign. The driver refused to stop, and the pursuit was later called off. As officers searched the area afterward, a witness told police that two men had abandoned a vehicle and taken off on foot. Officers soon found and detained two people on Winter Street, and police recovered the same Honda Accord that the victim later reported stolen.
According to police, the commuter suffered minor injuries and had his cellphone and keys taken during the incident. These details were reported by NBC Boston.
Charges and court date
Norwood police identified the suspects as 23-year-old Johanns Miranda Pizarro of Boston and 20-year-old Demarcus Atkins of Norwood, and said they face counts including unarmed robbery, carjacking, conspiracy and assault and battery. In a statement to NBC Boston, Norwood Police Chief Christopher Padden praised the officers involved, saying, "This case highlights the value of proactive policing, outstanding teamwork, and quick decision-making on behalf of the officers of the 4-12 shift." Miranda Pizarro and Atkins were expected to be arraigned Friday in Dedham District Court, police added.
What comes next
The case remains under investigation, and Norwood police say they will continue working with prosecutors on charging decisions. Anyone with information or video that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Norwood Police Department.
