New Alliance Bank Robbed Again

ESSEX - The New Alliance Bank at 63 Main Street in Centerbrook reported an armed robbery on Apr. 3 at about 9:29 a.m.

The bank reported that a lone male entered the bank, showed a handgun, displayed cash, and escaped on foot onto Route 154 toward Route 9.

The Essex Resident State Trooper and troopers from Connecticut State Police Troop F in Westbrook responded.

Additionally, State Police K-9 teams, helicopter, and airplane also responded to search for the suspect.

Some troopers secured the robbery scene while others were assigned to the nearby Essex Elementary School at 108 Main Street in Centerbrook.

The State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad conducted an investigation in this robbery which included detectives interviewing witnesses and a description of the suspect.

The suspect is described as a white male wearing a blue windbreaker, sunglasses, and a baseball cap.

All surrounding police departments were notified with this information.

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles arriving to or fleeing the scene, knows the identity of the suspect, or who has other information about the incident is asked to contact Connecticut State Police at 1-800-256-5761.

Surveillance photos from the bank during the time of the robbery are posted at the Connecticut State Police website, www.ct.gov/dps.

This is the third time the bank has been robbed in one year's time.

The Centerbook New Alliance Bank had a previous unsolved armed robbery in March 2007.

An October 18, 2006 robbery of this bank led to the arrests of Elena Cook, 36, and Shane Kerpen, 37, both of Old Saybrook.

The pair was also responsible for the Nov. 7 robbery of the Chester New Alliance Bank at 9 Water Street.