The man accused of robbing a store in Windsor and leading police on a chase into Hartford Thursday morning has been arrested.
Windsor police said officers responded to Jay’s Mobil at 680 Poquonock Ave. just after 3:30 am. Thursday to investigate a report of an armed robbery and a clerk said the man implied he had a weapon and demanded cash.
The employee told officers she fought with the man and he left, got into a tan Toyota Camry that did not have a license plate and went south on Interstate 91.
A Windsor Police officer saw the car near exit 34 and followed the vehicle as it fled to Interstate 84 West, then off the highway to Asylum Avenue in Hartford.
After a short chase, the driver of the Camry tried to turn from Farmington Avenue onto Owen Street, but rolled over, got out of the overturned car and ran, police said.
The officer chased him, caught him and took him into custody after a short struggle.
Police have identified the suspect as 41-year-old Robert Shepard Jr., of Coventry.
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He was taken to St. Francis Hospital and later released into police custody, then brought back to the Windsor Police Department where he was interviewed about the robbery, according to police.
Police said the car he was driving had been reported stolen from Southbury on Dec. 5.
Shepard has been charged with robbery in the first degree, larceny sixth degree, interfering with an officer, larceny in the third degree for the stolen car, engaging an officer in pursuit, reckless driving and criminal impersonation.
Police said a female was in the car during the robbery, chase and crash and police are looking into any potential involvement she might have.
Windsor police are working with police in surrounding towns to determine if Shepard is involved in other robberies.
