Cambridge man facing charges after shoplifting from Saks Fifth Avenue

BOSTON, June 29, 2023 – A Cambridge man is facing charges for his role in an armed robbery at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Back Bay on Tuesday, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

ABDELOUAHAB ADEL, 23, was charged Wednesday in Central BMC with armed robbery (knife) and larceny over $1200. Judge Tracy-Lee Lyons set bail at $750 and ordered Adel to stay away from Saks Fifth Avenue and the store employees and maintain employment. Adel will return to court on July 20 for a pre-trial hearing.

At about 2:14 p.m. on June 27, officers responded to Ring Road in the Back Bay for two male shoplifters, one armed with a knife. A store employee said she observed two men walking through Saks Fifth Avenue holding multiple multicolored scarves. The men stopped at a handbag display, picked up two purses, and exited the store without paying.

Two other store employees confronted the men outside the store, causing one to drop the stolen items and flee toward Huntington Avenue. The second man, later identified as Adel, was uncooperative and tried to fight with employees. The employees observed Adel reach into his pocket and remove a shiny object, which they believed to be a knife. The employees detained Adel until police arrived.

Adel was unresponsive to officer’s questions. After a medical evaluation by EMS, Adel was placed under arrest. The second individual has not been arrested.

Officers recovered a black knife with a two-inch blade, and merchandise totaling $3218.50, which was returned to the store.

Adel has an open shoplifting case in Waltham and numerous prior cases involving larceny and shoplifting.

“A shoplifter armed with a knife is a serious threat to employees and the public. I am glad no one was hurt here, but the potential for serious injuries was present and this man will be held accountable,” Hayden said.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.

James Borghesani, Chief of Communications