Old Fashioned Police Work Leads to Armed Robbery Arrests

Being in the right place at the right time can go a long way in fighting crime. Just ask the Wallingford Police Department.

A Wallingford detective conducting surveillance near Kohl’s plaza on South Broad Street arrested two Connecticut women after witnessing a robbery at the Payless Shoe Source store in Kohl’s plaza on South Broad Street.

Rachel Suarez, 36, and Lisette Carrucini, 32, were each taken into custody without further incident following the robbery, police said. Both were arraigned in Meriden Superior Court Thursday on charges of first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy charges to each.

Suarez, of 34 Stack St. in Middletown, and Carrucini, of 49 Patricia Lane in Naugatuck, each remain in custody in lieu of $250,000 bonds, court officials said.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

The Wallingford Police Department released the following regarding the case:

On Oct. 10, 2012, at approximately 8:45 p.m., Wallingford Detectives Zerella and Jordan were conducting surveillance in the area of Kohl’s Plaza located on South Broad Street in Wallingford. While in the area, the detectives noticed suspicious activity in the parking lot of Kohl’s and began to watch two females.

A short time later, one of the females entered Payless Shoes. The detectives saw the female then exit the store running with a bag and over to a waiting vehicle. As this was occurring, the Wallingford Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from an employee inside the store saying they were just robbed.

Suarez was identified as the robber in the incident, police said. She implied to employees that she had a gun, but no weapon was located.

Police said Thursday that both women have extensive records.

Carrucini was convicted in 2005 of conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery in Hartford, according to court records, and Suarez has an extensive history that dates back to 2004 including larceny, prostitution, drug possession and more.

Make sure to like Wallingford Patch on Facebook and be sure to follow us on Twitter for the latest stories, breaking news and more!