ANSONIA — Two people have been arrested in connection with a March 1 street robbery outside a local restaurant after a social media video of the incident helped police identify the suspects.
Tashira Sparks, 19, of Ansonia and Carl Octavio Brown, 29, of Bridgeport were taken into custody on March 5 after police obtained arrest warrants, according to the Ansonia Police Department.
The robbery occurred in front of The Spot restaurant and lounge at 370 East Main Street.
Sparks, who was identified as the female in the video, faces charges of third-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit third-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny, second-degree threatening, first-degree unlawful restraint and second-degree breach of peace.
Brown, who allegedly recorded the incident, was charged with third-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit third-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny and second-degree breach of peace.
Both suspects are being held on $250,000 bonds and are scheduled for arraignment at Derby Superior Court on March 6.
Police Detective Shawn Mendenhall led the investigation, which was aided by tips from the public after the video was posted online.
