A Cambridge man is facing charges for his alleged role in an armed robbery at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Back Bay earlier this week, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Abdelouahab Adel, 23, has been charged with armed robbery (knife) and larceny over $1,200.

Police officers on Tuesday at around 2:14 p.m. responded to Ring Road in the Back Bay for two male shoplifters, one armed with a knife.

A store employee said she saw two men walking through Saks Fifth Avenue holding multiple multicolored scarves. The men stopped at a handbag display, picked up two purses, and left 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, police said. The employees saw Adel reach into his pocket and remove a shiny object, which they believed to be a knife. The employees then detained Adel until police arrived.

Adel was unresponsive to officers’ 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 $3,218.50, 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,” Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden said. “I am glad no one was hurt here, but the potential for serious injuries was present and this man will be held accountable.”

The judge set bail at $750, and ordered Adel to stay away from Saks Fifth Avenue and the store employees and maintain employment. Adel is set to return to court on July 20 for a pre-trial hearing.