Maine Man Arrested After Threatening BJ's Wholesale Club Staff with Pipe During Auburn Robbery

AUBURN — A Maine man has been taken into custody and faces multiple charges after allegedly robbing a BJ's Wholesale Club in Auburn and threatening store employees with a metal pipe. The incident caused brief panic inside the commercial retail store before law enforcement intervened.

Threats with a Weapon

The incident occurred on March 19, 2024. According to the Auburn Police Department, the suspect entered the BJ's Wholesale Club location and attempted to steal merchandise. When confronted by retail staff and loss prevention officers, the suspect pulled out a metal pipe and brandished it aggressively.

Witnesses reported that the suspect threatened to strike employees with the pipe if they attempted to block his exit or contact authorities. Despite the threats, staff members managed to maintain visual contact while notifying dispatch. The suspect fled the immediate area of the store with the stolen goods but remained on foot nearby.

Apprehension and Charges

Auburn police officers arrived within minutes of the call, locating a suspect matching the description provided by store personnel. The individual, identified as a Maine resident, was arrested without further incident. The metal pipe and the stolen merchandise were recovered at the scene of the arrest.

The suspect was transported to the county jail and has been charged with robbery, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, and theft by unauthorized taking. Fortunately, no store employees or customers were injured during the confrontation. Police praised the quick action of the store staff in safely monitoring the suspect and coordinating with responding officers.