Drone, Dog Help Nab Suspects In Violent Armed Robbery In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — Drone and canine units helped capture two suspects who fled a violent armed robbery in Manchester, police said.

On Tuesday at 11:47 p.m., officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Neighbors Mart, located at 129 Center St. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspects had fled the scene before police arrived, according to an incident report.

The store clerk reported that two males wearing dark clothing entered the store, attempted to rob him, and pointed a firearm in his direction., according to an incident report.

The clerk repeatedly ordered the suspects to leave the store and then contacted 911, police said.

Officers immediately deployed a department drone equipped with thermal imaging technology. The drone located two individuals running along the Cheney Rail Trail near the intersection of Pine and and Arch streets, according to an incident report.

Using the drone, officers observed a male hiding behind a dumpster and he was taken into custody
without incident, according to an incident report. He was identified as 19-year-old Danny Rodriguez Jr. of Hartford.

A second suspect, a 17-year-old from Manchester, was also located in the area and taken into custody.

A canine unit assisted with evidence recovery after a firearm was not located on either suspect during the arrest. The dog located a discarded backpack in the immediate area and inside the backpack, was a loaded, AK-47–style pistol and a high-capacity magazine containing 21 rounds of ammunition.

Rodriguez was charged with:

• First-degree robbery
• Conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree
• First-degree threatening
• Criminal use of a firearm
• Carrying a dangerous weapon
• Breach of Peace in the second degree
• Possession of a large-capacity magazine
• Carrying a pistol without a permit
• Possession of an Assault Weapon
• First-degree reckless endangerment
• Interfering with police