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BRIDGEPORT - A jury has convicted a 49-year-old Bridgeport man of robbing a Fairfield gas station while armed with a BB gun nearly five years ago, state prosecutors said.
Torik Baldwin was found guilty on Monday of first-degree robbery in the Dec. 27, 2021, holdup on Post Road, according to Bridgeport Judicial District State's Attorney Joseph T. Corradino.
Corradino said evidence presented during a trial in state Superior Court in Bridgeport showed Baldwin entered a Shell gas station around 7:40 p.m. dressed in all black clothing and carrying a BB gun designed to look like a pistol.
He said Baldwin approached the register to buy Mentos, pulled the gun when the cashier opened the register and demanded money while pressing the weapon to the victim's elbow.
"The suspect stuffed the gun, the Mentos, the cash and numerous rolls of coins into his black bag and fled," Corradino said.
Corradino said surveillance cameras captured a AAA vehicle arriving and then fleeing the scene after the robbery. He said detectives were able to obtain the license plate from the footage.
He said AAA confirmed the operator of the vehicle at the time was Baldwin and that he had been dispatched for a service call in the area of the same gas station.
Officers searched Baldwin's home and found clothing matching those worn by the suspect, a black gun that was confirmed to be a Glock replica BB gun and a roll of Mentos, Corradino said.
Corradino said a judge ordered that Baldwin be tried in absentia following an outburst that disrupted the court proceedings.
He also noted that Baldwin was declared a "Persistent Dangerous Felony Offender," raising his potential prison term from 20 to 40 years. He will be sentenced on Sept. 15.
"We are fortunate to have talented and capable career professionals to investigate and prosecute these cases," Corradino said. "They continually demonstrate our office's commitment to protecting the community and the rule of law."
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