Suspects in U-Haul van possibly linked to several gas station robberies

BERLIN, CT (WFSB) - Police are investigating a string of armed robberies at gas stations in three different towns.

Vernon, Berlin, and Meriden were the towns that got hit Thursday night.

The thieves were armed and demanded money.

While police were able to recover a car, they’re still searching for the suspects.

The first robbery happened at the Valero gas station on Talcottville Road in Vernon around 10 p.m. last night. The suspects showed a gun. They stole money and cigarettes and then took off.

“The concern mostly was that a firearm was shown and brandished. Obviously the multiple incidents was also concerning. So multiple factors made it a concerning incident,” said Captain Lucas Gallant with the Vernon Police Department.

Next, thieves struck the Valero gas station on East Main Street in Meriden. They stole cigarettes and cash once again.

After that, an armed robbery was reported at the Citgo gas station on the Berlin Turnpike in Berlin. Two men with ski masks pointed a gun at the clerk and then stole cash from the register.

They took off in a U-Haul van which Newington police spotted.

There was a brief pursuit and then the suspects took off on foot. The car was recovered.

Police are urging people to be aware of their surroundings.

Nobody was injured in any of these robberies, but the clerks were shaken up.

Police have not identified the suspects.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Berlin police at 860-828-7080 or Vernon police at 860-729-6406.

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