Crime & Safety

Granby Police Chief Catches Fleeing Bank Robber

Chief Carl Rosensweig saw the suspect fleeing the area and radioed for backup before the Windsor Federal Bank could even report the robbery. He then tailed the car along with other units to East Granby in a chase that ended with two arrests.

GRANBY – The sharp eyes and quick action of Granby Police Chief Carl Rosensweig foiled a bank robbery at late Tuesday morning. The chief saw the fleeing suspect from his unmarked car as he was patrolling Hartford Avenue and followed the suspect's get-away vehicle into East Granby, where two arrests were made.

A lone male wearing a mask, gloves and hooded sweatshirt didn't brandish a weapon, according to Granby Police Captain William Tyler, but hopped the bank's counter and stole a significant amount of cash before running away on foot to a vehicle containing a driver who was waiting for the suspect near Shattuck Avenue.

Rosensweig saw the suspect, still wearing gloves, fleeing the area on foot before entering the get-away vehicle and radioed for backup before the bank could even report the robbery, according to a report from the department. Rosensweig kept his eyes on the car, a 2005 Toyota Camry, and got its registration information as he followed it onto Route 20, headed toward East Granby.

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"A marked Granby unit joined the unmarked unit, and the suspect vehicle engaged them in pursuit when signaled to stop," the report said. "The suspect vehicle continued on Route 20 to Kripes Road in East Granby, where it was stopped at Nicholsen Road by Sgt. Gary Charette and Rosensweig."

The two suspects were then taken into custody by Granby police without any serious resistance, according to the report. Units from the East Granby Police Department as well as Connecticut State Police provided mutual aid at the stop.

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Police recovered all $11,720 taken from Windsor Federal Savings Bank from the vehicle.

Police identified Gregory Orton, 25, of Hartford as the man suspected of entering the bank and taking the cash. He was charged with second degree larceny and third degree robbery.

"[Orton was] held in lieu of [a] $100,000 surety bond," the report said. "Orton was convicted of robbing a different bank several doors from this location in an identical manner in 2009."

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jack Britton, 40, of Danbury. He was charged with larceny in the second degree, robbery in the third degree, operating a vehicle under suspension, reckless driving, engaging police in a pursuit and interfering with a police officer. Britton is also being held in lieu of a $100,000 surety bond.


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