WATERBURY, Conn. (WTIC) - Police have made an arrest in an armed robbery at the AT&T/Sprint mobile store in Waterbury.
Two adult male employees reported they were robbed by two other adult males. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun, but neither employee was physically injured during the incident.
As an employee assisted one of the suspects who inquired about a cellphone, the other suspect displayed a firearm and ordered both employees to the back of the store. The employees were ordered to the floor while the suspects began filling up a gym type bag with cell phones - they stole over 40 phones and smart watches.
Afterwards they robbed the employees taking their cell phones and wallets and took cash from the register as well.
Police responded and developed information that a suspect was behind 55-57 Cherry Street in an alley. After responding to this location, police located a black Acura MDX with no visible registration displayed. The vehicle was warm to the touch indicating recent use and visible in the rear of the vehicle was an item of clothing similar to one worn by one of the suspects and a gym bag matching the one used during the robbery.
A search of the area identified an individual matching the description of one of the suspects, who was found with a brand new i-Phone 8 still in the original box. He was apprehended without incident and later identified as Jesus Manual Torres-Miranda.
The 46-year old was arrested a charged with the following - Robbery, Larceny, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery/Larceny, Carry a pistol without a permit, Illegal sale or transfer of pistol, Breach of Peach, Theft of a Firearm, Criminal use of a weapon, Criminal possession of firearm/ammunition and Criminal possession of pistol/revolver.
Additionally, in the snowbank where the suspect was seen burying and hiding something, police found a loaded black handgun. Torres-Miranda is being held on a 100 thousand dollar bond and detectives are working to identify and arrest any additional suspects.
Anyone with any information regarding this active and open investigation is asked to contact the Waterbury Police Department Detective Bureau at 203-574-6941 or Crime Stoppers at 203-755-1234.
