NORTHAMPTON — A Holyoke man who allegedly tried to rob a city hair salon with a hypodermic needle is being held without the right to bail.
Brett James Waddell, 44, of Elmore Street in Holyoke, is charged with armed assault to rob, assault with a hypodermic needle and using a disguise to obstruct justice.
Northampton Police Capt. Victor Caputo said Waddell walked into Pam’s Kickin’ Kuts, at 92 King St., at around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and sat in the waiting area.
When the receptionist asked if he needed assistance, Waddell allegedly took out a capped hypodermic needle and threatened her, saying, “I just want what’s in the register. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
The employee called out for help, and Waddell allegedly ran down King Street, stripping off his clothes along the way, which led to the charge of using a disguise. Police spotted him trying to flee in a vehicle, then stopped and arrested him without further incident.
Waddell’s bail was initially set at $5,000 plus a $40 magistrate fee, but at his arraignment on Thursday, he was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Oct. 27, according to Northampton District Court records.
Brian Steele can be reached at bsteele@gazettenet.com.