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Brazen Repeat Offender Tells Officers “I’ll be out on bail and back in Walgreens at 6:00 a.m. today”

|   City News

At approximately 2:00 a.m. Springfield Police Officers were patrolling the area of Allen and Orange Streets when they observed a known suspect, Andrew Cronin, riding a bicycle. Officers were aware Cronin had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest stemming from a 2017 shooting. Cronin is also a suspect in more than 20 shoplifting incidents in the past four months where he targets pharmacies in the city.

Officers ordered Cronin to stop, which he refused to do.  Cronin attempted to pedal away before an officer caught up to him.  Cronin then began to run away, jumping multiple fences to evade officers.  Officers set up a perimeter in the area and were able to take Cronin into custody on the 300 block of Orange Street.  One officer was injured during the foot pursuit and had to be treated for hand and calf injuries at the hospital.

While being transported to Springfield Police Headquarters for booking Cronin stated, “I’ll be out on bail and back in Walgreens at 6:00 a.m. today.”  Cronin is a suspect in numerous shoplifting incidents at Walgreens. 

“This was an excellent job by our officers in Squad A from first observing and identifying this suspect to ultimately making this arrest.  While this suspect does face serious gun charges, he is alleged to be a habitual shoplifter.  Shoplifting is not a victimless crime as it impacts all consumers and often times puts employees at risk.  This suspect is also the poster child of our backwards judicial system as he openly mocked its effectiveness to deter criminals from committing crimes.  Maybe this time this suspect will be held,” said Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood. 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “Once again, terrific work by our brave and dedicated men and women of the Springfield Police Department to take this repeat criminal offender off our streets.  However, here we are again, re-arresting another habitual criminal offender, shoplifting and hurt our poor neighborhood businesses on top of the pending gun charges against him.  As Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood stated, this suspect is a prime example of what is wrong with our judicial system; these repeat criminal offenders have more rights and accommodations then the victims.  There is no justice for our residents and businesses when they have to suffer repeat loss and theft at the hands of repeat habitual offender – ‘hell, he blatantly laughed off this entire arrest and at our courts telling our officers he’ll be out on bail before they even get off their shift.’”

“This is why I will continue to fight for my residents and business community and push for stronger bail reform legislation through State Representative Angelo Puppolo,” added Mayor Sarno 

Cronin is expected to be arraigned in Springfield District Court Friday afternoon. 

24-year-old Andrew Cronin of Springfield is charged with:

  • Shoplifting by Asportation More than $250
  • Larceny from a Building
  • Possession of a Class E Drug (Gabapentin)
  • Arrest Warrant
    - Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
    - Carrying a Firearm without a License
    - Discharging a Firearm within 500 Feet of a Building
    - Assault & Battery with a Firearm
    - Assault & Battery with a Firearm
    - Attempted Assault & Battery with a Firearm
    - Resisting Arrest
    - Malicious Destruction of Property More than $1200
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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm