An arrest has been made in connection with the Dec. 17 armed robbery of the Mobil On The Run gas station at 940 Andover St.

Sean O'Connor, 25, of 5 Harnden St., Malden, was arraigned Thursday morning in Lowell Distrtict Court, charged with armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon (a gun) and larceny under $250.

According to Tewksbury Police Chief Tim Sheehan, investigators caught a break in the case when multiple citizens called police to say they recognized the suspect after surveillance photos were published in the media.

On Wednesday, police executed two search warrants. The first search warrant was executed in Bedford, with the cooperation of the Bedford Police Department.  It was executed at Minuteman Volkswagen, 39 North Road, Bedford, where O'Connor works. The warrant was specifically for O'Connor's motor vehicle.  According to Sheehan, O'Connor was arrested at that time.

The second search warrant was executed at O'Connor's residence in Malden, with the cooperation of the Malden Police Department

"Evidence was recovered at the scene, which included a black metallic replica hand gun," said Sheehan.

The armed robbery was a rare occurrence for that particular Mobil station, according to the clerk on duty at the time of the incident.

Police received a call at 5:17 p.m. on Dec. 17, reporting that a man armed with a black handgun had just robbed the Mobil On The Run, located just over the Lowell town line.

The suspect was described as being a while male, around 30 years old, about 5-10, wearing a white T-shirt and a black jacket.

According to the clerk, the man, now identified as O'Connor, reached across the counter and grabbed a $100 bill and a handful  of one-dollar bills. According to police, the clerk grabbed O'Connor's arm to stop the robbery. At that point, O'Connor allegedly pulled the gun, grabbed the cash and fled on foot.

The Tewksbury Police Department urges any citizens who suspect criminal
activity to call the Dispatch Center at 978-851-7373.  If you wish to remain
anonymous please call the Tip Line at 978-851-0175 or send an email to tewks_detectives@tewksbury-ma.gov