Man, 73, Charged In Attempted Bank Of America Robbery: East Haven PD

EAST HAVEN, CT — Richard Starr, 73, tried to withdraw money from an overdrawn account at the Main Street Bank of America Wednesday, police said.

When a teller explained that, according to East Haven police Capt. Joseph M. Murgo, Staar "became irate and told her that he was going to take out his gun and rob the bank if she did not let him withdraw the money he requested."

Murgo said police got a 911 call from a bank employee who said a man had a firearm and was demanding money from his account. Cops got there, but the man had fled in a 2024 Chevrolet Camaro.

With his description, police began a search. East Haven police Detective Jon Trinh, who was traveling north on I-95, saw the car traveling southbound on I-95 in Branford, Murgo said. Radioing other officers, units "got in position and waited for him to exit the highway," the police captain said.

Soon after, the Camaro was seen coming off the highway, onto the exit 52 off ramp, heading north on North High Street when Murgo, Sgt. Joseph Mulhern and officer Sean Halligan pulled the vehicle over. Police said Staar was taken into custody without incident.

Staar was charged with first-degree criminal attempt to commit robbery, first-degree threatening with a firearm and second-degree breach of peace. He was held on $150,000 surety bond and was in court on Thursday.