Worker Zip-Tied, Assaulted In Smoke Shop Robbery In Montville: Police

MONTVILLE, CT — A man is accused of forcing a worker to the ground and zip-tying their hands behind their back at a smoke shop in Montville, police said.

Police responded to a report of a robbery where a suspect threatened to use a gun at the Smoking Ape Smoke Shop on Route 32 on Friday at 9:21 p.m.

An investigation found that a man in a black mask, later identified as Victor Anderson, 60, entered the store. He then stole an employee's cell phone, forced the employee to the ground, and tied the employee's hands behind their back, police said.

Anderson then stole three cartons of cigarettes and $510 in cash, police said. While he was stealing these items, a customer entered the store. Anderson fled, according to police.

Officers found him in the area and fought with him before he was detained. Police said they found Anderson with cash, cigarettes, and a fake gun.

He was arrested and taken to the Montville Police Department.

Anderson was charged with third-degree assault, two counts of first-degree threatening, two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, unlawful restraint, fifth-degree larceny, first-degree robbery, interfering with an officer, two counts of second-degree breach of peace, two counts of interfering with an emergency call, and carrying/brandishing a facsimile firearm.

He was held on $750,000 cash/surety bond and scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court on Monday.