Man Armed With A Rock Accused Of Robbing Coventry Gas Station

COVENTRY, RI — A West Warwick man was arrested Sunday after Coventry police said he robbed a gas station in town.

Frank Rogowski, 54, was charged with first-degree armed robbery and eluding police.

Police said the robbery happened around 10:13 p.m. at Quality Gas on Tiogue Avenue. Rogowski, who was wielding a rock and wearing a bag over his head, demanded money from the store clerk and warned the worker he had a knife, according to police.

Rogowski left the gas station with a small safe, cash, and cigarettes, police said. Police said an officer on patrol spotted Rogowski getting in a parked car near the cash station after the robbery was reported.

Police said Rogowski led the officer on a car chase through town, until he pulled over near Maple Avenue, jumped down an embankment, and ran into the woods.

Coventry police sought the assistance of West Warwick police and Rhode Island State Police in setting up a search perimeter. A drone and a K-9 unit were also used in the search.

Rogowski was eventually found hiding in a shallow body of water, police said. He was taken to Kent Hospital in Warwick and was treated for possible hypothermia, according to police.

Police said the stolen safe, cash, and cigarettes were found in Rogowski's car.

Rogowski, who has an extensive criminal history, was ordered held without bail during his arraignment at Kent County District Court.

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