Somerset man held without bail after robbery, assault arrest

Chief Todd Costa reports that the Somerset Police Department arrested and charged a man in connection with a December 9 robbery at a County Street convenience store.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, the Somerset Police Department responded to a report of a robbery in progress at the Country Farms convenience store located at 994 County Street.

Upon arrival, police learned that the suspect entered the store carrying a large backpack. The clerk, who was preparing the store for closing, reported that the suspect followed him to the rear of the store to a private room/bathroom and allegedly threatened to kill him before forcing him to the ground. The suspect then allegedly went behind the counter and began removing scratch lottery tickets and cigarettes from the shelves and placing them in the backpack.

The clerk was able to escape from the store and ran to a neighboring business for help. The suspect fled on foot from the rear exit of the store with a quantity of scratch lottery tickets and cigarettes.

No weapon was shown during the robbery.

The clerk sustained an injury to his elbow during the incident. He declined medical attention at the scene.

Responding officers conducted a search of the surrounding area but a suspect was not located.

In the days following the robbery, Somerset detectives viewed security footage, interviewed several potential witnesses and followed up on several leads which allowed them to focus on a possible suspect. Additional investigation led to the positive identification of 22-year-old Jose Adorno Jr. of Somerset, as a suspect.

On Monday, December 13, Somerset Police executed a search warrant at Adorno’s residence and located evidence linking Adorno to the robbery. Adorno was taken into custody without further incident.

Adorno was charged with Unarmed Robbery. Assault and Battery, and Larceny Over $1,200.

Adorno was arraigned in Fall River District Court, where he was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

The robbery investigation was conducted by the Somerset Police Department Detective Division, which includes Detective Lt. Jason Matos, Detective Sgt. Nicholas Davidson, and Detectives Donald Cormier and James Cardella. They were assisted by Officer Joseph Bois of the Patrol Division.