Smoke Shop Robbed By Machete-Wielding Man, 2 Brothers Charged: Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — A machete-wielding man and his brother are charged by East Haven police in a Tuesday armed robbery of a Foxon Road smoke shop, according to East Haven police spokesperson Capt. Joseph M. Murgo.

At around 4 p.m., Tuesday, authorities got a 911 call from Planet ZAZA Smoke Shop with an employee saying the store had been robbed with the two men fleeing. When confronted outside the store, one pulled a knife and the other a machete, Murgo said.

Anthony Longo, 20, of North Branford, and his brother Ronnie Longo, 21, went into the smoke shop and tried to make a purchase with a credit card that got declined, Murgo said.

"The pair can be seen on video surveillance leaving the store still in possession of the items they attempted to purchase without paying, which prompted several store employees to follow after them," Murgo explained. "A physical altercation ensued in the parking lot, but the pair fled the scene after Ronnie Longo pulled out a knife and swung it at one of the employees."

Police said that "after a few brief moments, a second incident occurs."

"Ronnie and Anthony returned to the business, this time with Ronnie in possession of a large machete," Murgo said. "Ronnie Longo can be seen chasing an employee who was in possession of store merchandise through the parking lot. The employee dropped the bag as he ran away from Longo, who picked up the bag and fled westbound on Foxon Road. There were no reported serious injuries during this incident."

Murgo said officers arrived "quickly" and began a search for the Longo brothers.

Officers Kevin McGuire, Rob Celentano and Micah Belcher spotted the two near 940 Foxon Road and gave chase, Murgo said.

Anthony Longo was taken into custody immediately, police said, while Ronnie Longo "led officers in a foot pursuit through several backyards." He was taken into custody without further incident a short time later by Celentano who found him hiding in a wooded area near Michael Street.

The machete was located by Officer Stephen Marsico’s K9 partner Mack, a short distance from where Ronnie Longo was apprehended, Murgo said.

Ronnie Longo was charged with:

• Two counts of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon in violation of C.G.S. 53-206
• Breach of Peace in the Second Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-181
• Interfering / Resisting Arrest in violation of C.G.S. 53a-167a
• Larceny in the Sixth Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-125b
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Sixth Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-48/53a-125b
• Threatening in the Second Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-62(a(1
• Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-63
• Criminal Attempt of Assault in the First Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-59

Ronnie Longo was held on a $50,000 bond and remained in police custody until he was transported to court Wednesday morning.

Anthony Longo was charged with:

• Two counts of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon in violation of C.G.S. 53-206
• Breach of Peace in the Second Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-181
• Interfering / Resisting Arrest in violation of C.G.S. 53a-167a
• Larceny in the Sixth Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-125b
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Sixth Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-48/53a-125b
• Assault in the Third Degree in violation of C.G.S. 53a-61

Anthony Longo was held on a $5,000 bond and remained in police custody until he was transported to court Wednesday morning.

Planet ZAZA Smoke Shop selling THC products, authorities say

Murgo noted that Planet ZAZA Smoke Shop "has come under fire recently due to reports of illegal and unlicensed sales of marijuana products." Murgo said police have received several complaints about "activity taking place at the establishment and took enforcement action on several occasions."

Last May, East Haven police and representatives from the Department of Consumer Protection conducted a surprise inspection of Planet ZAZA, Murgo said.

"This investigation revealed that the business was illegally selling THC products without proper licensing as a marijuana dispensary," Murgo said. "This also resulted in the arrest of two employees who were on scene during the inspection."

A follow-up inspection earlier this month found the "same THC products being offered for sale," police said.

"In both instances, officers seized a large amount of THC infused products including gummies, vapes, edibles, and flower marijuana individually packaged for sale," Murgo said. "We will continue to partner with local and state agencies to address this ongoing issue."