UPDATE: Police Raid Aimed at Stopping Armed Robbery Before It Starts

Six suspects were arrested Friday afternoon during an extensive police raid aimed at stopping an attempted armed robbery dead in its tracks.

Police Capt. John Amirault said the police department's drug unit acquired intelligence that a group of six were planning to rob jewelry stores and area drug dealers, including a planned heist this Friday afternoon. 

A large group of about 40-50 officers trailed the group on their way to the site of the alleged planned robbery until they reached a safe location on Commercial Street, where units descended on the suspects "like clockwork," Amirault said. 

Police recovered two actual firearms, as well as a starter pistol resembling an actual weapon. The suspects also allegedly had face masks in their possession. 

No one was hurt in the raid, Amirault said. 

The raid occurred near a vacant building near 250 Commercial St., allowing officers a tactical advantage, Police Chief Kevin Molis said.

He added residents in the area should not be alarmed, as the location was incidental to the investigation and was not directly related to any criminal activity. 

"I don't want people to have concerns about traveling to that area or...(think) that the general area is characterized by violent crime," he said. 

Malden Police were assisted by a variety of other agencies, including units from the ATF, Middlesex Sheriff's Office, and special operations units from Everett and Revere. 

"I want to commend the the work of all the agencies involved," Molis said. "It was a great collaborative effort."


Arrests:

Marquis Simmons         Age: 23