Police have arrested the man suspected of robbing two Bridgeport businesses after a witness saw him running from the scene, chased him down and tackled him, according to police.
Juan Carlos Velasco, 31, is accused of robbing a Subway restaurant at 1552 Wood Avenue on June 19, then stealing from Mi Pueblo Restaurant at 3837 Main Street on Thursday.
Police said he walked into Mi Pueblo with a bandana covering his face and pointed his hand, which was covered with a sock, to indicate that he had a gun. A worker turned over an undisclosed amount of money and Velasco left the store.
A witness and bystander reportedly chased Velasco as he fled the scene on a bicycle, removing his disguise and throwing down the money. Police said Velasco hit a rock and fell from his bike. He tried to run away but a witness caught him.
Police took him into custody and Velasco ultimately admitted to the crimes. Police say he was wearing the same sneakers and pants in both robberies.
He’s charged with first-degree robbery.
Photo Credit: Bridgeport Police Department