Bridgeport Man Charged in Armed Robbery of Teen: Monroe Police

MONROE, CT — Three suspects were arrested for allegedly robbing a Monroe resident while he was riding his dirt bike in the Fox Run Lane area Friday evening, according to police.

Police arrested Justin Zarzuela, 19 of Monroe, Kristi Alvenia Kemper, 20 of West Haven and Michael Dawson of, 20, Bridgeport in connection with the alleged armed robbery in Trumbull around four miles from the alleged incident. A child was found in a booster seat of the vehicle the assailants were driving, according to police. To sign up for Bridgeport breaking news alerts and more, click here.

At 7:30 p.m. Friday, police received a 9-1-1 call reporting an armed robbery and an assault in the area. The 16-year-old victim told police he was riding his dirt bike when two men confronted him and displayed a handgun.

The victim further said that the suspects punched him in the face, and repeatedly kicked him while they attempted to take his cell phone.

Police say the suspects fled the scene in a white Dodge Durango, which was later stopped on Main Street in Trumbull. Officers found a black BB gun which they say was altered to make it resemble a real handgun.

Zarzuela was charged with first degree robbery, criminal attempted larceny in the fifth degree, assault in the third degree and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He did not enter a plea at arraignment and was held on a $10,000 bond. He is due in court on May 2.

Kemper was charged with weapons in a motor vehicle, risk of injury, criminal liability for acts of another/larceny, and criminal liability for acts of another/robbery. She was released on a promise to appear and is due in Bridgeport Superior Court on April 17.

Dawson was charged with first degree robbery, criminal attempt/larceny, third degree assault, first degree threatening, alteration of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal violation of a standing protective order and brandishing of a facsimilie firearm. He did not enter a plea at arraignment and was released from custody on a $20,000 bond. He is due in court on May 2.

Images via the Monroe Police Department