Two Charged in Connection with Armed Robbery in Cranston

Two men have been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of the Sam’s Food Club store on Pontiac Avenue in Cranston Tuesday night.

Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist said that the two suspects were captured by officers who fanned out across the neighborhood after the robbers fled on foot with about $150 in stolen cash.

Police said Jonathon O’Brien, 20, of 219 Tennyson Road, Warwick; and Richard Bueno, 18, of 62 Westwood Ave., Cranston, were arrested after the brief foot chase that started at around 11:35 p.m.

Winquist said that the suspects entered the store. One flashed a handgun while the other stood by the front door as a lookout.

Officers Austin Smith and Patrick O’Malley located the suspects after they got a description from store employees.

Police said the two men were carrying cash in a plastic bag, a BB gun, bandannas, assorted clothing worn during the robbery along with a box of cigars along the route they took while fleeing.

Both men were taken into custody without incident.

Police said the ongoing investigation linked both men to a pair of robberies that occurred at the same store on June 14 and 16.

“The suspect description and modus operandi are also consistent with robberies that have occurred in Cranston, Johnston and Providence dating back to April of this year,” Winquist said. “Cranston Police Department Detectives are coordinating with investigators from these communities and the investigation is on-going.”

Richard Bueno is being charged with 3 counts of First Degree Robbery and 2 counts of Conspiracy to commit First Degree Robbery. Jonathon O’Brien is being charged with 2 counts of First Degree Robbery and 2 counts of Conspiracy to commit First Degree Robbery and Possession of Marijuana (in excess of one ounce). Bueno and O’Brien will be arraigned this afternoon at 3rd District Court.

“Last night’s arrest is an example of outstanding police work by the responding patrol officers who made the apprehension of two individuals believed to have committed multiple armed robberies in the City of Cranston, as well as in neighboring communities,” Winquist said. “Detectives are continuing the investigation to include working closely with our other law enforcement partners.”

Photo: from left, Richard Bueno and Jonathon O’Brien.