Knife-Wielding New Haven Robber Foiled: PD

NEW HAVEN, CT — Officers arrested a man with a lengthy criminal history after they found him actively robbing a store, police said.

Police were called to Sam's Store on Kimberly Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. March 17. Officers entered the store for a reported robbery in progress and subdued the robber, who was grasping cash stolen from a register, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

A clerk told police he was closing the store and letting the clerk from a neighboring Dunkin Donuts out through the back door when Hector Marrero, 50, burst through the door and waived a large kitchen knife. He demanded "everything" and took cash from the lottery register and from the clerk himself, Hartman said.

The Dunkin Donuts clerk called 911 and then tried to disarm Marrero while the Sam's clerk tackled Marrero to the ground.

The Dunkin Donuts clerk smashed a coffee pot over Marrero's head.

Neither clerk was injured and Marrero's injuries were tended by EMTs. He was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree larceny.

Image via New Haven Police