Montville, Connecticut – A 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a liquor store in the Uncasville section of Montville, according to local authorities. The incident occurred Wednesday night and involved the suspect allegedly displaying a handgun while demanding cash from a store employee.
Police confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody the following morning without resistance. Investigators believe the robbery may be connected to another armed incident reported earlier the same evening in a nearby town.
Incident Overview
The robbery took place at Labella Wine and Spirit, located on Route 32 in Uncasville. Police said the suspect entered the store late Wednesday night, concealed his identity, and threatened the cashier with what appeared to be a firearm.
Authorities reported that no injuries occurred during the incident, and the suspect fled the scene immediately after obtaining money from the register.
Timeline of Events
According to police records, the robbery occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. Roughly 30 minutes earlier, another armed robbery was reported at a Shell gas station in Norwich, raising suspicions of a possible link between the two incidents.
The suspect was located and arrested around 11:15 a.m. Thursday in Uncasville, less than 14 hours after the liquor store robbery.
Details From Police
Montville Police identified the suspect as Frank Straub, age 41. Investigators said Straub entered the liquor store wearing a black hoodie and a ski mask, making it difficult for staff to immediately identify him.
Police stated that Straub displayed a handgun and demanded money from the cashier before fleeing the store on foot. He was last seen heading south toward Quaker Hill, prompting a search of the surrounding area.
Detective Addison Saffioti of the Montville Police Department noted that the timing and circumstances of the Norwich robbery suggest the two cases may be connected. However, authorities have not confirmed whether Straub will face charges related to the Norwich incident.
Key Facts of the Case
- Suspect: Frank Straub, 41 years old
- Location: Labella Wine and Spirit, Route 32, Uncasville
- Date of robbery: Wednesday night
- Time of robbery: Approximately 9:30 p.m.
- Arrest time: Around 11:15 a.m. Thursday
- Weapon involved: Handgun / facsimile firearm
- Injuries reported: None
- Bond amount: $750,000
- Court: Norwich Superior Court
Charges Filed
Police said Straub faces multiple charges related to the liquor store robbery, including:
- Robbery
- Larceny
- Illegal use of a facsimile firearm
- Criminal possession of a firearm
Authorities confirmed that Straub was held on a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Norwich Superior Court.
Additional Context
Armed robberies involving retail businesses remain a serious public safety concern, particularly when firearms or imitation weapons are involved. Even when no physical injuries occur, such incidents can leave lasting emotional and psychological impacts on victims and employees.
Law enforcement agencies often prioritize these cases due to the potential risk to the public, especially when suspects are believed to be involved in multiple incidents across neighboring communities.
Public Safety and Awareness
Police encourage business owners to review security measures such as surveillance systems, panic buttons, and employee safety training. Members of the public are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity promptly, especially in areas where armed incidents have recently occurred.
Anyone with information related to the Montville liquor store robbery is asked to contact the Montville Police Department directly. Tips from the community can play a critical role in ongoing investigations.
Conclusion
The arrest of Frank Straub marks a significant development in the investigation of the Montville liquor store robbery. While no injuries were reported, police continue to examine whether the suspect may be connected to other armed incidents in the region. The case now moves to the court system as authorities work to ensure accountability and public safety.
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