The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of a man suspected of several armed robberies and carjackings in the New Britain and Hartford region and they are asking for help to find him.
Connecticut State Police said that 23-year-old Christian Velez is wanted in connection with a series of Hobbs Act robberies that began in September. In at least one he pulled a firearm, according to the FBI.
“We need your help in locating and bringing to justice Mr. Christian Velez,” David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said Thursday.
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The Hobbs Act looks at robbery or extortion crimes that affect interstate or foreign commerce.
Sundberg said Thursday that there have been numerous incidents in the New Britain and Hartford region that they believe Velez is involved in. The number of incidents was not released, but the FBI said they are in the "teens."
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Southington police said they hold an arrest warrant for Velez for charges stemming from an armed carjacking and they are working in cooperation with the FBI and they are looking for help from the public to find him.
"We really need the public's help in apprehending Mr. Velez before someone is hurt further," Sundberg said.
Velez has multiple Connecticut arrest warrants and a federal arrest warrant, according to police. He should be considered armed and dangerous and an escape risk, according to the FBI notice, and "may have violent tendencies."
The FBI is asking the public for help with information in locating Velez.
"I want to stress that Mr. Valdez is considered to be armed and dangerous and should only be approached by law enforcement officers," Sundberg said.
He said there have been assaults and injuries.
"We're trying to stop this before someone is killed," Sundberg said.
"Christian Valez, we are urging you to turn yourself in to authorities and to avoid further violence," Sundberg said.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call their local police department or the FBI's New Haven Field Office at 203-503-5580. Tips can also be submitted at tips.fbi.gov.
