Date: Fri 17-Oct-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

police-robbery-Kasbarian

Full Text:

SANDY HOOK STORE OWNER THWARTS ROBBERY

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Police charged three men with criminal offenses on the night of October 9,

following a shoplifting attempt which turned into a fracas at a package store

in Sandy Hook Center.

Police said the three men entered K's Corner Liquor Store at 102 Church Hill

Road at about 6:55 pm.

One of the men, Joshua W. McLaughlin, 22, of 56 Mine Hill Road, New Milford,

hid a bottle of vodka beneath his shirt and was about to leave the store when

he was confronted by store owner Fred Kasbarian, according to police. Mr

Kasbarian is a former Newtown police officer.

Another man, William M. Brown, 18, of 85 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, then

grabbed Mr Kasbarian's arm, police said.

Mr Kasbarian and Mr McLaughlin got into a struggle which moved outdoors,

police said. Mr McLaughlin then hit Mr Kasbarian in the head several times

with his fist in an attempt to get away, according to police. Mr Kasbarian

received bruises and cuts in the incident, but refused medical attention,

police said.

Mr McLaughlin broke free from Mr Kasbarian and got into a car which was driven

away by Fred A. Corna, 20, of 51 Ball Pond Road, Danbury, police said.

Mr Brown then ran off on foot, according to police.

After receiving an E-911 call, police searched the area.

Patrol officer Scott Ruszczyk found Mr Brown traveling on foot on Glen Road

and arrested him, police said.

Mr Kasbarian provided police with a description of the getaway car and its

marker plate number.

Police traced the car to a Pine Street address in Sandy Hook.

Patrol officer Christopher Vadas located the vehicle and arrested Mr

McLaughlin and Mr Corna. Officer Vadas was assisted by patrol officers Thomas

Fitzsimmons and Daniel Cacace.

Police charged Mr McLaughlin with second-degree robbery and third-degree

assault; Mr Corna with second-degree robbery and interfering with police; and

Mr Brown with second-degree robbery.

When force is used against a person in the course of a larceny, the charge

becomes robbery.

Police held Mr McLaughlin on a $7,500 bond for an October 10 court appearance.

Police held Mr Corna and Mr Brown on $5,000 bonds each for court appearances.