#Bridgeport, CT – Dec. 9, 2013 – Two men face robbery charges after a street hold-up Friday evening. Officer John Topolski responded to the 1300 block of Boston Avenue on a report of an armed robbery on Sheridan Street. The two victims stated that they had left a check cashing business when they were robbed by armed men of more than $700 and a cell phone. Dispatchers put out a description of the suspects over the police radio.
Meanwhile, Officers Angel Rodriguez and Juan Hernandez observed two males matching that description in a rear yard in the 600 block of Maple Street. The men fled when police ordered them to stop.
Ultimately, one of the men, LePriest Turner, 28, of Bridgeport, was captured and detained on Pembroke Street by Officers Keith Hanson and Anthony Caiazzo. In his possession, police recovered more than $700.
While that arrest was unfolding, Sgt. Sean Lynch and Officers Christopher Martin and Paul Scillia located the second suspect, later identified as Michael Turner, 24, on nearby Arctic Street. He was found to be in possession of a phone belonging to one of the victims. The victims later identified the suspects as the robbers.
Both men were charged with first-degree robbery, interfering with police and criminal trespass.
Bond for each was set at $50,000.
“This was outstanding work by all these officers,” said Capt. Robert Gearing. “They arrested two dangerous people but also were able to recover and return the victims’ money.”
The cash was photographed and processed as evidence and then returned to the victims.
