Police said the gun-wielding suspect forced the clerk to open the register and safe at gunpoint.
Julio ViruetSPRINGFIELD – Police, responding to a distress alarm call for an armed robbery at the East Columbus Avenue Sunoco station early Monday, spotted the suspect on foot as they drove to the scene.
The officers got out of their cruiser and chased the suspect, who was carrying a silver handgun, from Main to Leete streets, according to a release issued by Springfield police. The suspect dropped a plastic bag shortly before jumping into a 2002 Dodge Neon that pulled up alongside him.
The Neon fled and police found cash inside the bag.
The Sunoco clerk told police that the suspect approached her near the rear entrance outside the store at about 4:20 a.m. and forced his way in. The suspect then threatened the clerk at gunpoint and forced her to take money out of both the register and the safe.
After further investigation, police went to 69 Longhill St. where they met with the suspect and then brought him to the station and arrested him.
Julio Viruet, 26, of 69 Longhill, was charged with armed robbery, according to the release. Viruet is slated to be arraigned Tuesday in District Court.