ANSONIA, Conn. — Ansonia police have arrested two suspects in connection to a robbery that was captured on camera by bystanders Saturday afternoon.
Tashira Sparks, 19, of Ansonia, and Carl Octavio Brown, 29, of Bridgeport, face charges including third-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, second-degree larceny, and second-degree breach of peace. Sparks also faces additional charges of second-degree threatening and first-degree unlawful restraint.
The robbery occurred outside The Spot, a restaurant and lounge on East Main Street. Police said a man involved in a car crash reported that Sparks, the driver of the other car, yelled at him before stealing his wallet and phone. He was unharmed during the incident.
Police initially asked the community to stop sharing the video, which circulated widely on social media. However, once the footage was posted, several individuals came forward to help identify the suspects.
Chief Wayne Williams expressed his disappointment, condemning the act of recording rather than helping, saying, “This is not just disappointing — it is disgraceful.”
Both Sparks and Brown are being held on $250,000 bonds and are set to appear in Derby Superior Court.
