WEST RUTLAND — Vermont State Police arrested a 39-year-old man Sunday night in connection with an armed robbery at a Stewart’s Shop.
Joel R. Gouin was taken into custody about 10:45 p.m. Aug. 17 after police responded to a hold-up alarm at the West Rutland store.
Responding troopers encountered Gouin armed with a knife fleeing the shop and apprehended him following a short foot pursuit.
Police said Gouin was in possession of a knife and a silent-alarm pendant he had removed from an employee.
Detectives determined Gouin brandished a knife at two employees, Leanna Mason, 25, and Dawn Pedro, 58, and caused physical injury to one employee.
Police said Gouin demanded cash and attempted to take tobacco products before being confronted by troopers.
Gouin was found to be on 10 active sets of conditions of release from various criminal court divisions in Vermont.
Troopers determined he violated conditions by possessing a dangerous weapon and failing to abide by a 24-hour curfew.
Gouin faces charges of assault and robbery causing injury, aggravated assault and contempt of court.
He was ordered jailed without bail at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility pending arraignment scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Rutland.
The affidavit of probable cause will be filed with the court and made public following Gouin’s arraignment.
