04/03/07

                            STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE BANK ROBBERY

Today 04/03/07 at about 9:29 am Connecticut State Police Troop-F received an alarm and phone call reporting an armed robbery had just taken place at the New Alliance Bank located on Main St in Essex, CT. The initial report indicated that a lone male had entered the bank, displayed a handgun, demanded cash, and escaped on foot on Rt. 154 towards Rt. 9.

The Essex Resident State Trooper and State Troopers assigned to Troop-F all responded to the scene. In addition State Police K-9 teams, helicopter, and airplane also responded to the scene to participate in a search for the suspect. The robbery scene was secured by responding Troopers and Troopers were also assigned to the elementary school due to it’s location to the robbery scene. An extensive search of the area was conducted by all responding personnel.

The State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad responded to the scene to conduct the investigation into this Robbery. Detectives interviewed witnesses and a preliminary description of the suspect was obtained. He is described as a white male wearing a blue windbreaker, baseball cap, and sunglasses. He is reported to have fled from the bank on foot onto Rt. 154.

All surrounding Police Departments have been notified of all descriptive information.  Anyone who may have been in the area of the bank noticed any suspicious activity or suspicious vehicle arriving to or fleeing from the scene is asked to contact Connecticut State Police at 1-800 256-5761.

This criminal investigation into this robbery is continuing.

Below are surveillance photos of this robbery:

anyone with information about this incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to call the State Police atTroop F at (860) 339-2100.

This Bank has been the victim of previous unsolved armed robbery in March 2007 

###END##

Lt. J. Paul Vance