Police charge two men in armed robbery, search for other suspects

By Elio Gugliotti, Editor

NAUGATUCK — Armed men made off with over $14,000 in cash and other items during a midday robbery Monday at a condo complex on Horton Hill Road, police said.

Police tracked the men to Bridgeport, where officers caught two of the four suspects following a short pursuit. Police continued to search for the other suspects as of Monday morning.

Police said three armed men in masks robbed three women at gunpoint in a condo at 39 Horton Hill Road before 12 p.m. Along with the cash, the men took dozens of high-end sneakers, three video game consoles and a laptop. No one was injured, police said.

Police tracked the suspects through a cellphone to Bridgeport, where police say officers spotted one of the suspects getting out of a car with what appeared to be items stolen from the condo. As officers approached, the driver sped off, police said. About a half mile later, police said, the four men ditched the car and ran away on foot.

Police caught and arrested two of the men — Nasir Omari Blow, 22, and Jacarri Pettway, 20, both of Bridgeport. Police said officers also recovered a gun believed to be used in the robbery.

Naugatuck and Bridgeport police are working to identify the other suspects.

The case is active, police said. It is unclear why the victims were targeted, police said, and if they have any connection with the suspects.

Blow and Pettway were both charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny, second-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal mischief, home invasion and conspiracy to commit home invasion.

Blow was also charged with carrying a pistol without a permit and carrying a dangerous weapon.

Both men were held on $500,000 bond. They were scheduled to be arraigned in Waterbury Superior Court Tuesday.