Arrest made in attempted robbery of gas station

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This surveillance photo shows the suspect who attempted to rob the Citgo gas station on New Haven Road in Naugatuck in October. Police have charged Anthony Simmons, of West Haven, with the crime. –CONTRIBUTED

NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck police have charged a West Haven man in connection with an attempted robbery of gas station in Naugatuck in October.

On Dec. 28, Anthony Simmons, 44, of 353 Center St., West Haven was served an arrest warrant out of Naugatuck while in police custody at Waterbury Superior Court and charged with criminal attempt at robbery in the first degree and carrying dangerous weapon. The arrest was announced earlier this week.

The charges stem from the attempted robbery of the Citgo gas station at 800 New Haven Road in Naugatuck on Oct. 23. According to police, Simmons purchased a drink at about 7:35 p.m. at the station and after receiving his change, pulled out a knife and demanded money from the register. The clerk was able to fight the suspect off, police said.

Later that night, police believe Simmons robbed the Citgo at 20 Union City Road in Prospect.

According to state police, Simmons displayed the handle of a gold pocket knife, but not the blade and took over $1,000 and a pack of cigarettes.

According to state police, Simmons is expected to be charged in connection with the Prospect robbery next week.

Simmons is believed to be the suspect in a string of robberies across the state including the towns of West Haven, Milford and Stratford.

Naugatuck police spokesman Lt. Bryan Cammarata said all of the police departments involved ran separate investigations, but worked together to share information.

Cammarata said Simmons was arrested by the Milford and West Haven police departments prior to Naugatuck police department pressing charges. The Milford and West Haven departments contacted Naugatuck police to inform them that they had a suspect in custody, Cammarata said.