MANCHESTER, NH – A city man was robbed at knifepoint at 2:15 a.m. on July 20 while playing “Pokémon Go,” according to police. The 24-year old male victim had been walking on the bicycle path behind 375 South Willow St. when he was allegedly accosted by Raymond Lavigne, 29, and Michael Drake, 26, both of Manchester.
Police said the victim engaged in a verbal confrontation with Drake and Lavigne and attempted to walk toward the rear of the old Shaw’s supermarket, but was stopped in his tracks by Drake and Lavigne. Drake allegedly pulled a knife on him while Lavigne told him to relinquish his cell phone. Drake allegedly placed the knife to his throat and once again demanded he turn over his cell phone. He handed his cell phone over to Lavigne as both men ordered him to give up his wallet, which he ultimately did.
The victim immediately fled the area after handing over his phone and wallet and went to a local business where he was able to call the Manchester Police Department. Officers Tyler Gagne and Michael Johnson responded to the bike path and located Drake and Lavigne. However, the two men fled on foot before he was able to detain them, so additional units responded to the area.
Drake was located near the bike path a short time later by Officer Michael Johnson and taken into custody without incident. Officers located a knife at the time of his arrest. Drake was charged with armed robbery, resisting arrest/detention and was placed on a 72-hour hold by probation/parole.
Lavigne was located at the end of Mitchell Street by Officer Thomas Donovan and his K-9 partner Zeus. Lavigne was placed into custody and transported to police headquarters. Lavigne was also charged with armed robbery, resisting arrest/detention and falsifying physical evidence, for allegedly discarding the phone prior to being arrested.
Both men were set to appear in the 9th Circuit Court-Manchester on July 20, 2016.
