Quad Robberies

Harvard University Police detectives Tuesday night arrested two youths who allegedly robbed two women at gunpoint at Radcliffe Quad earlier that evening, Saul L. Chafin, chief of University police, said Wednesday.

The two robberies occurred separately at approximately 6 p.m. on the interior driveway of the Quad, Chafin said.

Chafin said Harvard police detectives pursued the two suspects from the scene as they attempted to flee by automobile.

Following a four-hour chase, the police, assisted by members of the Cambridge and Boston police departments, apprehended the youths in Boston at about 10 p.m. after they abandoned their getaway car and attempted to escape on foot, Chafin said.

Chafin said yesterday he expects the arrests will lead to the solution of numerous street robberies in Cambridge and Boston, but refused to elaborate pending further investigation.

Chafin was unable to reveal the identities of the suspects, who are both age 16 or under. Both youths have been released from police custody, one on $100 cash bond and the other on personal recognizance to a parent. Both have been charged with armed robbery.