Men Rob 57-Year-Old Sterling Club Patron Who Bought Them Drinks: Police

Two men robbed a 57-year-old man in a club parking lot in Sterling early Saturday morning after drinking with him.

Jason White, 37, of Killingly, and Christopher Simmons, 37, of Kingsman, Arizona, "lured" an intoxicated man into the parking lot of Foresters Club, "knocked him to the ground" and stole his wallet, State Police said. The man, 53, had been drinking with them inside and bought them "rounds of drinks," according to State Police.

The incident happened at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. It's unclear if the victim knew the suspects before what State Police are calling a "strong armed robbery."

White and Simmons fled the scene, according to State Police. State troopers followed up on a lead at a Plainfield house where the men turned to to be located and they both ran when State Police arrived, according to police. A State Police K9 named Elvis tracked the men behind the home and found White hiding behind tree about 100 yards away. Troopers found Simmons hiding under a Sterling Hill Road bridge nearby.

Both men resisted arrest, but State Police took them into custody and brought them to Troop D in Danielson, State Police said.

State Police charged White with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault and unlawful restraint and Simmons with criminal impersonation and six counts of second-degree failure to appear in court. Both men were also charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, interfering with a police officer and sixth-degree larceny.

State Police held both White and Simmons in custody on $100,000 and $525,000 cash bonds, respectively. Both men are due in Danielson Superior Court on Sept. 15.

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