Bakersfield Bandit

STATE OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: 12A202011
CASE #: Retail Theft / Unlawful Mischief
TROOPER: Bruzzi STATION: VSP-Saint Albans
CONTACT#: 524-5993

DATE/TIME: 5/16/2012 @ 1423 hours
LOCATION (specific): Bakersfield Short Stop
VIOLATION: See Above
ACCUSED: Unknown at this time

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On May 16, 2012 at approximately 1423 hours, State Police were notified of what was reported as a robbery at the Bakersfield Short Stop. It was advised that a male entered the store, stole items, and then broke the store window while exiting.
Upon arrival, it was determined that a lone male had entered the store and went behind the counter to the cigarette area. The female clerk was distracted on the other side of the store at the time. The manager then exited the back room and asked the male what he was doing. The male continued to put the cigarettes in his sweatshirt and did not answer the manager. The male ended up dropping some of the cigarettes while still being confronted by the manager.
At this point, the manager went over and locked the front door. The male then picked up the cigarettes that he dropped and went towards the front door. When he realized it was locked, he rammed the door multiple times instead of just unlocking it. He then used a nearby broom stick and smashed the glass door before exiting through the opening.
This male left on foot and then got into a nearby vehicle prior to leaving. The male was pursued by a witness who jumped on an ATV and was able to get the license plate. The vehicle involved is a blue/green Ford Escort registered to Paul Adam of Isle LaMotte. Investigation revealed that there was a female operating the vehicle. This female is believed to be Angie Sweet, previously from the Isle LaMotte area.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VT State Police Saint Albans barracks at 802-524-5993.