CSP Search For Suspect In New Canaan Merritt Rest Stop Robbery

NEW CANAAN, CT — A man stole several items from the northbound Merritt Parkway rest stop in New Canaan early Thursday morning, and during the theft the suspect threatened a store employee by gesturing that he had a handgun, according to Connecticut State Police.

The incident occurred at about 4:25 a.m., and no weapon was ever displayed. In addition to gesturing that he had a gun, the suspect also said to the employee, "I'll blow your f_king head off."

"He verbalized and gestured [the threat] several times to the Dunkin' Donuts employee before walking out of the facility," wrote state police in a release. "He was accompanied by an unknown black male wearing dark clothing and a ball cap. Both individuals left the service area in a black colored SUV bearing unknown registration."

State police said the suspect has been to the rest stop on several other occasions in recent months, but paid for items with cash.

From Thursday's incident, he is described “as a Hispanic male in his thirties/forties, about six foot tall with a small cross tattoo on his face near his right eye, wearing a large white/light beige colored vest, black sweat jacket, blue jeans, white sneakers and black ball cap with a red 'C' on the front of it.” See the above surveillance photos.

Anyone with information about the suspect and/or his accomplice are urged to contact Trooper First Class Carlo Marandola at State Police Troop G in Bridgeport at 203-696-2500.

Surveillance photos via Connecticut State Police