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And Donald Newman-Smith even inadvertently helped authorities find him when shortly before he was arrested he asked an investigating officer where the bakery was located, police said.
At about 2:30 p.m. Monday, a man walked into the Hope Street Mini-Mart at 1058 Hope St. with a note stating that it was a robbery, Lt. Thomas Barcello said. No weapon was seen, he said. The clerk handed the suspect cash, and he fled the scene, Barcello said.
Detective Mike Franzetti, who was responding to the robbery, stopped to question Newman-Smith because he matched the description of the suspect, police said. There wasn't enough evidence to tie him to the robbery so Franzetti decided to go the scene of the robbery, police said. But before they went their separate ways, Newman-Smith asked the officers for directions to the nearby DiMare Pastry Shop at 12 Largo Drive, police said.
After police reviewed the store's video, Franzetti said he knew where the suspect was, police said. Officers went to the pastry shop and discovered Newman-Smith enjoying his pignoli cookies, Barcello said.
The suspect was cooperative during the arrest, he said.
"He was a gentleman throughout the process," Barcello said. He also praised Mini-Mart staff for how they handled the robbery and in ensuring they had the correct information for police. He also said neighboring businesses were also very helpful in aiding police.
Newman-Smith, 26, of 7 Avon Lane, was charged with first-degree robbery and fifth-degree larceny. He was held to be arraigned Tuesday in state Superior Court in Stamford.
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