Police arrested a 21-year-old New Havener and a juvenile Wednesday for allegedly committing a string of early-morning armed robberies that stretched from a Pond Lily Avenue motel to a Whalley Avenue McDonald’s to a Willow Street gas station to a Fair Haven grocery store.
Here’s what happened, according to a Wednesday evening press release sent out by New Haven Police Department spokesperson Capt. Rose Dell.
The first incident took place Wednesday at around 4:02 a.m. at the New Haven Inn on Pond Lily Avenue, “where two males entered the hotel and one of them brandished a firearm. They demanded the clerk to open the door, but the clerk refused, and the suspects fled the scene without taking anything.”
Soon thereafter, at around 4:46 a.m., officers responded to a reported theft at the McDonald’s at 1094 Whalley Ave. “A register drawer containing approximately $70 was taken during this incident.”
Then, at 5:41 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Shell Gas Station on Willow Street in East Rock for another robbery report. “Two masked men entered the store, with one of them displaying a firearm. They stole tobacco-related items and Lotto scratch tickets before leaving the scene.”
Finally, at around 8:03 a.m. at the Pop Grocery on Grand Avenue, “Two males entered the store, one of them brandishing a firearm. The suspects stole snacks and demanded money from the clerk, who bravely refused to hand over the cash. The suspects then fled the scene.”
Police investigators determined that the same two suspects were involved in all four incidents, according to Dell. “They were identified by their distinctive clothing. Vehicle information was obtained and broadcasted, ultimately leading to the apprehension of the suspects.”
Plainclothes officers found the suspects’ vehicle traveling on Middletown Avenue. Police stopped the car near Foxon Boulevard. “During the stop, an object was observed being thrown from the vehicle, which was later identified as a semi-automatic handgun. It was also discovered that the vehicle itself was stolen.”
Dell wrote that the suspects’ clothing matched descriptions provided in all four incidents. She said police were able to “immediately link these two suspects to” the grocery store robbery on Grand Avenue.
One suspect, a 21-year-old New Haven, was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree threatening, first-degree reckless endangerment, and first-degree conspiracy to commit robbery. A “male juvenile” was charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit robbery. He was also served with an outstanding warrant for another unrelated robbery. “Both individuals were also charged for illegal possession of a firearm and for the larceny of the stolen vehicle.”
“Warrants will be forthcoming for the three other robberies,” Dell concluded, “and the New Haven Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community.”
Door Dash Driver Shot In Fair Haven
In a separate Wednesday night email press release, Dell wrote that city police are investigating a shooting that took place at Ferry and Pierpont Streets in New Haven at around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Officers responded at that time to Yale New Haven Hospital on the report of a gunshot victim. “The victim, who had been
transported from West Haven, reported to West Haven officers that he had been shot while in his vehicle in New Haven,” Dell wrote.
“According to the victim’s account, he had been delivering for Door Dash in East Haven when he was approached by unknown individuals who attempted to steal his vehicle. In the ensuing confrontation, the victim sustained a gunshot wound. Despite his injuries, the victim managed to drive back home to West Haven and then contacted the police.”
The shooting victim later told East Haven investigators that he had actually been shot in Fair Haven. “To gather more information, the East Haven Police Department accompanied the victim as they drove around Fair Haven. During this process,
the victim pointed out that the intersection of Ferry Street and Pierpont Street was where the shooting had taken place.”
Police are currently investigating the incident and encourage anyone with information to come forward by contacting the New Haven Police Department Investigative Services Division at (203) 946‑6304 or through the department’s anonymous tip-line at 866 – 888-TIPS (8477).
Four armed robberies. Thankfully, nobody killed over 70 bucks and some snacks. I would be interested to find out the eventual punishment for these two. I bet not much.