Man wanted for lottery ticket thefts caught trying to flee through window

A Massachusetts man's streak of dodging the law came to an abrupt end recently in Springfield. Accused of a series of incidents involving stolen lottery tickets and other crimes, the suspect had been on the radar of law enforcement for months.

When officers finally tracked him down, what started as a routine arrest turned into a moment of high drama. As authorities closed in, the man made a bold, last-ditch effort to escape, but his attempt to outwit the long arm of the law was anything but a winning move.

The dramatic arrest

Around 7:15 a.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, authorities arrested Treanthony Williams, 30, for 13 outstanding warrants, according to the Springfield Police Department.

Williams was wanted for various incidents that took place in Springfield over the past year, officials said. Several of these incidents involved Williams allegedly stealing lottery tickets from convenience stores across the state.

Authorities were able to identify Williams as a suspect, and warrants were requested and granted for his arrest.

When authorities were able to locate Williams in Springfield on the morning of January 14, the suspect attempted to escape from a second-floor bedroom window. However, officers were able to pull Williams back inside the residence and placed him under arrest.

The charges

After the arrest, Williams was charged with multiple crimes from Springfield District Court and Palmer District Court, which included:

• Larceny and theft: Multiple counts of larceny under $1,200, larceny over $1,200 by a single scheme, larceny from a person, and larceny from a building.
• Assault and robbery: Unarmed robbery, unarmed assault to rob, and assault and battery (multiple counts).
• Fraud and conspiracy: Furnishing false identification information to law enforcement and conspiracy.
• Other charges: Attempted larceny, shoplifting (third offense), receiving a stolen motor vehicle, shoplifting by asportation (third offense), and wanton destruction of property.

Officials said they are still investigating Williams' activities, and additional charges could come. He was booked into jail and is being held pending his arraignment in Springfield District Court.

No lottery ticket theft here

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Lottery recently announced two lucky winners who both won $1 million after legally buying instant lottery tickets.

Up first is Helena Greenleaf, who won $1 million playing the $2,500,000 Merry & Bright instant game. She purchased the winning ticket at Cumberland Farms, located at 502 Washington St. in Auburn. For selling the winning ticket, the lucky lottery retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus from the state lottery.

Greenleaf recently made her way to lottery headquarters to claim her prize, which was in the form of a one-time payment of $650,000 (before taxes). She plans on treating herself to a nice lunch, as well as investing her winnings.

Next is Julia Da Rosa, who also won $1 million, but she won it by playing the $1,000,000 Ultimate 7 instant ticket game. She bought the winning ticket at Petro Mart 2, located at 258 Orchard St. in New Bedford. The lucky lottery retailer will also receive a $10,000 bonus from the state lottery for selling the winning ticket.

Da Rosa recently made her way to the lottery headquarters and received a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes. She told lottery officials she plans on buying a house with her winnings.

Enjoy playing the Massachusetts Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.