Police investigate possible connection of armed robbery and stolen vehicle

NORWALK — A woman was reportedly robbed at gunpoint on Henry Street Wednesday night, according to the Norwalk Police Department.

Minutes later, police received a report of a vehicle stolen from a gas station less than 2 miles away. Detectives believe a similar vehicle was used in both cases and that they may be connected, Lt. Joe Dinho said in a news release Thursday.

The first incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday when a woman walked into the police station to report an armed street robbery, according to Dinho.

The woman had been walking on Henry Street when a red vehicle pulled up alongside her, she told police. While the driver stayed in the vehicle, two occupants got out with guns. One pointed the gun at the woman and the other hit her in the face with a firearm as they tried to steal her purse, according to Dinho.

The woman said the occupants took her money, got back in the vehicle and drove away. The woman then ran to the police station, where emergency medical personnel checked her, Dinho said.

Moments later, at 11:49 p.m., police received a call from a man at the Mobil gas station on East Avenue reporting his vehicle had just been stolen. The vehicle owner said he was inside the gas station when he saw two men enter his car and drive off. He had left the car running, according to Dinho.

Police found the stolen vehicle in Bridgeport. The vehicle has since been taken to the Norwalk Police Department for examination, Dinho said. Dinho said the investigation of the incidents is ongoing and police are asking for the public’s assistance.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Det. Fitzmaurice at 203-854-3180 or at DFitzmaurice@ NorwalkCT.org. Anonymous information may also be provided by either calling 203-854-3111, going to www.NorwalkPD.com or by texting “NORWALKPD” plus the tip to 847411.