Man makes purchase, then robs store

TORRINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police are asking the public for information regarding a robbery that happened last month in Torrington.

The robbery occurred on May 31st, at the USA Food Mart, located at 882 East Main St.

According to police, a male suspect entered the store and placed merchandise at the cash register counter to purchase. The man proceeded to give the clerk money to purchase the merchandise. Once the clerk received money from the suspect and opened the cash register drawer, the suspect reached over the counter and attempted to push the clerk away from the cash register.

The suspect was then able to reach into the cash register grabbing an undetermined amount of cash and fleeing the area on foot.

The suspect was described as a short male, possibly Hispanic or white, wearing a novelty "State Prison" orange-colored hoodie, blue jeans, and a blue bandana covering his face.

Police said the morning after the robbery, the suspect's clothing was found dumped in a garbage container on Cole St.

Police recovered an XL orange hoodie with the words "State Prison 836413" printed on the front, a pair of brown work gloves with wood chips on them, and two blue and white bandanas. Additionally, police said wood chips were found in the front pocket of the hoodie.

The clothing is being sent to the Forensix Lab for DNA analysis, as well as being sent to their trace evidence unit for hair and fiber analysis.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Torrington Police Department at 860-489-2008 or the case officer, Detective James Crean at 860-489-2061.