Deja Paschal - courtesy of the Torrington Police Dept.TORRINGTON, CT (WFSB) -
Torrington police were able to arrest a suspect in connection with an armed robbery just minutes after it happened Monday night.
Police said they were called to the Cumberland Farms on New Litchfield Street at about 10 p.m. after receiving several 911 calls reporting an armed robbery.
Police spoke to both the store clerk and a witness who said a black male about 6 feet tall and 240 pounds entered the store brandishing a handgun, and took an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing on foot.
The witness said the man used a shirt and bandana over his face and head in an attempt to disguise himself.
A second witness told police he saw a heavy set black man crossing New Litchfield Street and just a few minutes later police received another 911 call reporting a black male was in the 1200 block of New Litchfield Street asking to use a phone.
Police located the man a short time later and later identified him as 17-year-old Deja Paschal. Police said Paschal is an emancipated teen living on Highland Avenue in Torrington.
Paschal was taken into custody and charged with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny and carrying a dangerous weapon. He is currently under protective custody at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital for treatment, police said. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Police said Paschal received several abrasions while running through he woods and was found barefoot and only wearing a pair of wet pants.
Police were able to locate a pellet gun, other clothing and items used in the robbery.
Torrington police are still looking for a woman who entered the store around the same time as Paschal. Police said Paschal indicated to the woman that she should not come in behind him and she left the area.
Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
