Chicopee police arrest man for attempted car theft and assault

CHICOPEE – A man was arrested late Monday night after attempting to steal a car and assaulting a passerby at a local gas station, Chicopee police reported.

At approximately 11:37 p.m., police officers were dispatched to Gulf Station at 1031 Chicopee St. on a report of an attempted car theft.

The suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Alexander Vega of Holyoke, was detained in the parking lot by the victim and another person when officers arrived.

An initial investigation revealed that Vega had started an altercation with another customer in the supermarket before taking items from the counter and leaving the store.

Outside, Vega attempted to enter an occupied vehicle through the driver's side window.

The screams of the vehicle's occupants alerted the male attendant in the store, who immediately rushed to help and tried to pull Vega out of the car.

During the altercation, Vega brandished a knife and cut the man who intervened.

Vega was subsequently taken into custody by the first officer to arrive.

Vega faces several charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, shoplifting through sport and disturbing the peace by carrying a dangerous weapon.

Chicopee Police continue to investigate the incident.