WESTFIELD – A man accused of larceny caught a break when the victim failed to appear at his hearing.
When Encarnacion Alvarado, 41, of Westfield appeared in Westfield District Court Tuesday, he had charges of larceny over $250 dismissed without prejudice, which means he could still be held accountable for the charge.
The victim, David Munoz, owner of County Barber Shop located at 61 School Street, said Wednesday that he didn’t know about the hearing.
The charges date back to July 16 when Alvarado feigned interest in employment at Munoz’s shop. When Munoz left the room, Alvarado allegedly stole $280 in cash and Munoz’s cell phone.
Munoz said he missed Tuesday’s hearing because he thought all charges against Alvarado had been moved to Hampden Superior Court.
Alvarado is being held at the House of Correction awaiting a June 1 hearing in Superior Court, according to Jim Leydon, public and media information director for the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, on more serious charges of armed robbery and threat to commit a crime on the same victim.
On July 30, Alvarado went after Munoz again, but more violently this time.
Munoz said Alvarado stormed into his shop and “He put a razor on my neck (while) screaming I’m high as hell–I’ll f-ing kill you!”
Alvarado allegedly stole $750, Munoz’s rent money, from Munoz’s pocket and pushed him to the ground.
Munoz ran after Alvarado in the direction of the Westfield Police Station where a police officer exiting the back door joined the chase, according to Munoz.
Alvarado was arrested a short time later on charges of armed robbery (razor knife), threat to commit crime crime (murder) and on an outstanding warrant, according to police records.
Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe said that after he was arrested, $926 in cash were found in Alvarado’s back pocket.
Alvarado has been held in the House of Correction since his August 3 arraignment on the robbery and threat to commit a crime charges. Last fall, that case was moved from district to superior court.
Munoz said he has known Alvarado for 10 years and used to consider him a friend, but that Alvarado has always had a problem with drugs, namely heroin.
Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
