After 20 months of diligent police work, New Milford police detectives believe that they've finally tracked down their main suspects in a major robbery.

Back in August of 2017, New Milford police answered an armed robbery call at the Verizon Wireless store on Danbury Rd, during which $48,000 worth of merchandise was stolen. According to a press release from the New Milford PD, the arrest of 27-year-old Anthony Lauria from Yonkers, NY is the first to be arrested, with a few more warrants pending for other suspects.

Police say that Lauria originally entered the store first, asking employees about various merchandise. Then, the Yonkers man reportedly left store and headed toward a black four-door sedan, which ended up parking in front of the Verizon store.

New Milford Police Press Release Photo
New Milford Police Press Release Photo
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A very short time later, an armed suspect walked into the store brandishing a black pistol, followed by a second suspect, who was also carrying a hand gun. After having one of the employees tie up his own hands with zip ties, both armed suspects walked into the inventory room and filled up bags with merchandise.

New Milford Police Press Release
New Milford Police Press Release
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Police say that through the lengthy investigation, they were able to identify Lauria as the man who they believe helped the armed suspects set up the robbery. The NMPD expects more arrests, as other warrants are currently pending.

New Milford Police Chief Spencer Cerruto praised his detectives for "their hard work and tenacity. They spent countless hours on this case and brought a dangerous suspect to justice."

The accused is being held on $350,000 bond.

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