WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — A late-night robbery at a retail store on the Silas Deane Highway ended with two suspects in custody after a coordinated response by local and neighboring police departments.
Authorities say the incident occurred Saturday night at a Family Dollar location, where a store employee reported that a man entered the business, displayed what appeared to be a handgun, and stole merchandise before quickly leaving the premises. The suspect was not alone. Police said he was accompanied by a woman, and both fled the scene in a red Hyundai Elantra before officers arrived.
Officers immediately began searching for the vehicle described by witnesses. At approximately 10:43 p.m., Hartford Police officers located a car matching the description and conducted a stop. The occupants were detained without incident and later identified as 57-year-old Miguel Ramirez of New Britain and 48-year-old Susette Mendes of Hartford.
Investigators reported that Ramirez later admitted to selling the stolen items in Hartford. During the arrest, officers also found him in possession of a knife. Police did not report any injuries in connection with the robbery.
Ramirez faces charges including first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, and sixth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny. Mendes has been charged with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, sixth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny, and possession of a controlled substance.
Both suspects were held on a $50,000 bond and were scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Monday. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details regarding the recovered merchandise or the alleged weapon displayed during the robbery.
Police continue to encourage anyone with further information about the incident to contact local law enforcement.
