On Thursday, December 26, 2024, at approximately 12:10 PM, Troopers from Troop H - Hartford were dispatched to the New Britain Fastrak Station for a report of an armed robbery involving a firearm. Troopers were advised that the reporting party had been approached by two males, one of whom held a firearm to his abdomen and forcefully took his backpack.
With the assistance of the New Britain Police Department, two males were detained and identified as Shayne Bridges (DOB 04/13/1995) of New Britain, and Juan Cruz (DOB 03/24/1995), also of New Britain. The victim confirmed that both Bridges and Cruz were the two males that approached him and they were in possession of items that belonged to the victim.
Furthermore, with assistance from the State of Connecticut DOT, the surveillance cameras at the Fastrak captured the incident in its entirety. Camera footage revealed that following the robbery, Bridges handed the firearm off to a third male who was still on scene. The third male was identified as Jackie Farmer (DOB 09/25/1979) of Hartford, who did not have a valid pistol permit.
A search of Bridges person revealed that he was in possession of narcotics as well.
All three males were placed under arrest and charged with the following
Bridges
C.G.S. 53a-134 - Robbery in the First Degree
C.G.S. 53a-181 - Breach of Peace in the Second Degree
C.G.S. 21a-279 - Possession of Narcotics
Cruz
C.G.S. 53a-134 - Robbery in the First Degree
C.G.S. 53a-181 - Breach of Peace in the Second Degree
Farmer
C.G.S. 53a-217 - Criminal Possession of a Firearm
Bridges and Cruz were held on a $100,000 bond, while Farmer was held on a $25,000 bond. All three men were later transferred to the Department of Correction awaiting a court date of 12/27/2024 at New Britain Superior Court.
Please see attached criminal information summary.
Bridges
Cruz
Farmer