Cranston Police ID Accused Armed Robber

CRANSTON, RI—Catching him was top priority, according to Col. Michael J. Winquist, Cranston's police chief. Early Saturday morning, Samuel Vasquez allegedly tried to hold up the Dunkin Donuts, 630 Reservoir Ave. Half an hour later, police spotted him parked in a car wash bay. He killed the lights but not before officers recognized the car as a match for the one connected to the armed robberies at convenience stores. When he saw police approach, Vazquez pulled out of the Classic Car Wash, 1125 Cranston St., and made a fast turn onto Puritan Avenue, where he stopped in a driveway.

Police followed and questioned Vazquez, 31, of Providence. He allegedly told the officer he was at his girlfriend's house, but police determined that was not true. They took him into custody, raided his house, and also obtained search warrants for his car. Police say the evidence seized connects him to the "attempted armed robbery at the Dunkin Donuts, as well as three armed robberies of convenience stores in the City of Cranston which occurred on June 2 (7-11 store located at 535 Reservoir Ave.), June 9 (7-11 store located 535 Reservoir Ave.), and also on June 9 (ElmwoodMobile located at 1282 Elmwood Ave.)."

He allegedly showed a gun at the stores, and police say they believe they found it, an air soft gun left in the car.

Vazquez didn't get any money at the Dunkin Donuts. Police said the employees called 911, and he fled. They described a man wearing a hoodie, gloves and a kerchief over his face.

He is being charged with First Degree Robbery (three counts); Assault with Intent to Commit Specified Felonies; and Reckless Driving. Vazquez was held without bail after he was arraigned at the police station this weekend and was due in court Monday.