Media Reports Help Police Nab Man in October Citgo Robbery

An Oct. 3 robbery along the Berlin Turnpike has come to a close, thanks in large part to the assistance of the media.

Berlin police arrested James Walker, 28, this week after evidence and a little help from media reports helped lead detectives to his doorstep. Walker is facing charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree threatening, second-degree unlawful restraint and sixth-degree larceny.

Walker, of 23 Lincoln St. in New Britain, is in state custody for similar charges out of West Hartford, police said, and is due in court for arraignment in the Berlin robbery on Dec. 11.

“This is an excellent example of how the cooperation of law enforcement, the media and the public can help solve crimes and help improve the quality of life in our communities,” said Deputy Police Chief John Klett.

Walker and four others were at the gas station on Oct. 3 when police said he approached a limousine driver and forced the driver to give up “a small amount of cash” that was on him, according to police reports.

The men then fled the scene in a sedan. The incident was caught on camera and the images released to the media to assist in locating the suspect.

Detectives were able to locate and interview the men. Walker came forward and provided a statement detailing his role in the incident, police said.

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