SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield police have arrested 31-year-old Willie Duke in connection with a series of armed robberies that occurred on January 11th, 2025. The suspect allegedly targeted three businesses, robbing them at gunpoint and escaping with cash.
The first robbery occurred around 1:00 p.m. at a business on Walnut Street, where Duke reportedly threatened a clerk with a firearm and stole money. About 30 minutes later, he allegedly robbed a convenience store on St. James Avenue using the same method. The third robbery took place at a business on State Street at approximately 2:00 p.m., where Duke once again used a firearm to commit the crime.
Detectives from the Springfield Police Department worked closely with the Real-Time Analysis Center to locate the suspect and gather evidence. At around 7:15 a.m. on Sunday, Duke’s vehicle was spotted in the Six Corners area. Officers conducted a traffic stop at a gas station on Hancock Street, where Duke tried to flee the scene but was apprehended on Ashley Street.
Duke is facing multiple charges, including three counts of armed and masked robbery with a firearm and failure to stop for police. Authorities continue to investigate if he is linked to other crimes in the area.
