Police have arrested two men in connection with the armed robbery of Mi Favorita Grocery on Liberty Street in New Haven.
According to police, Simon Valentin-Quinones, 37, of Ferry Street in New Haven; and Alberto Romero, 28, of East 152nd Street in the Bronx, New York; entered the grocery store with guns Thursday night and took money and personal items from the store cash register.
Police received the 911 call around 10:43 p.m.
Witnesses told police that one suspect took employee Luis Castillo to the back of the store while the other suspect stole money, a phone, a wallet and personal ID.
A second employee, Andre Rodriguez, was struck from behind and fell to the ground, police said.
Police spotted Quinones running from the scene and pursued him on foot. Quinones eventually gave up and was handcuffed.
Quinones was found in possession of a victim’s ID, phone and wallet, and said the items “belonged to someone who owed money to someone,” according to police.
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He was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a stolen gun, first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny and conspiracy, and was also served with an outstanding warrant.
Quinones is a convicted felon, police said.
While searching nearby on Carlisle Street, a police dog found the long-barreled pistol that officers believe Quinones used in the robbery. The gun, was reportedly stolen, police said.
Romero also led police on a foot chase. He was apprehended and found with a .177-caliber BB gun in his waistband.
Romero was charged with possession of a facsimile firearm, first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny and conspiracy.
Police said the two men arrested matched witness descriptions of the suspects.