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Alert witness helps Salem police catch armed robbery suspect

SALEM, Mass. — An armed robbery suspect is in custody in Salem, and it’s all thanks to a witness who contacted police, and an officer who had no problem jumping into action.

The robbery happened Tuesday around 10:15 a.m. when a man went into the Salem Food Store at 136 North St. wearing a ski mask and armed with a steak knife.

A homeland security employee happened to see the robbery and followed the suspect as he fled, relaying everything he could to police.

“He observed the suspect come out of the store with a knife, a mask and he thought that was pretty unusual,” Salem Police Lt. Brian Gilligan said.

Gilligan was working a private detail just feet away from the scene of the robbery, and quickly jumped into his personal vehicle so he could try to take the suspect into custody.

“You just got caught up in the moment. You're just doing what you have to do to bring the call to a resolution,” he said.

Police said the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Daniel Karakoudas, was heading to his home in Peabody after the failed robbery.

When he got there, Lt. Gilligan was waiting for him.

“I don't think he had any idea [I was following him]. He was very surprised to see me in the back of his house,” Gilligan said.

Karakoudas has been charged with armed assault with intent to rob and driving with a suspended license.