AUGUSTA, Maine — A man has been arrested in connection with a string of city convenience store robberies, Deputy Police Chief Jared Mills said.
Daniel Couto, 25, of the Augusta area was arrested early Monday shortly after an armed robbery at the Circle K on Eastern Avenue, according to Mills.
Shortly before the Circle K robbery early Monday morning, Couto allegedly attempted to hold up the Big Apple on Civic Center Drive late Sunday night. He also is allegedly responsible for a Dec. 7 holdup of the Big Apple on Stone Street, according to Mills.
Couto handed a clerk a note demanding cash but was unable to procure any at the Civic Center Drive convenience store, and he managed to escape the Circle K with an undisclosed amount of cash, Mills said.
Shortly after the Circle K robbery, state Trooper G.J. Neagle and his canine partner attempted to track Couto’s path, but police learned he fled in a dark minivan, according to Mills.
Evidence linking Couto to the incidents was found in the van and he was arrested, Mills said. He was charged with two counts of armed robbery and one count of attempted armed robbery.
Couto is being held without bail at the Kennebec County Jail. Police are trying to determine if drugs played a role in the incidents.
