Stamford man charged in knifepoint pharmacy robberies

BRIDGEPORT – A Stamford man, who has a lengthy criminal record, has been charged with robbing a Stratford pharmacy at knifepoint.

Antonio Lopez-Gonzalez, 28, of Selleck Street, was charged Thursday with first-degree robbery in connection with the July 17, robbery of the Walgreens on Barnum Avenue.

Meanwhile, Bridgeport police said they expect to also arrest Lopez-Gonzalez for robberies at a CVS and a discount store in the city.

During Lopez-Gonzalez’s arraignment Thursday afternoon Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Stephen Lojo urged Superior Court Judge Elizabeth

Reid to set a high bond for the defendant, citing the serious nature of the allegations.

The judge ordered Lopez-Gonzalez held in lieu of $150,000 bond and continued the case to March 21.

According to police, on July 17, Stratford officers were called to the Walgreens for a robbery.

When officers got to the scene, they were met by the security guard who told them a man had come into the pharmacy, filled a bag with various items and then left the store without paying for them, police said.

Police said the security guard told officers he had confronted the man in the parking lot and the man had threatened him with a knife before fleeing.

That same day, Bridgeport police said a man robbed the CVS on Boston Avenue at knifepoint. And, nine days later, a man matching the same description, robbed a dollar store on State Street, police said.

Police said Lopez-Gonzalez was identified as the robber in the Bridgeport incidents through surveillance video. Stratford police viewed the video and identified Lopez-Gonzalez as the man who robbed the Walgreens in their town, police said.

Court records show that Lopez-Gonzalez was recently released from prison after serving three months for an assault conviction.