ANSONIA – Ansonia police issued a statement saying they are investigating a robbery on E. Main Street that was caught on video.
Anyone with information should call police at 203 – 735-1885 or leave an anonymous tip at Tip411 by following this link.
The incident happened at about 11:40 p.m. March 1, according to a statement from Lt. Patrick Lynch.
Two vehicles were in a minor accident. Police said the driver of one car, a female, began yelling at the driver of the second vehicle.
A third person captured the altercation on video. Police said it happened outside THE SPOT, a restaurant/lounge.
In the video, the woman approaches the man while he sits in his car’s driver’s seat. She shouts at the victim while a cameraman eggs her on.
“Smack that n — ,” the person filming says, repeatedly.
“He’s giving up money or I’m calling the cops,” the woman tells the cameraman.
The victim attempts to talk with the woman, but his voice is mostly drowned out by the shouting.
“You gotta give up the money, my guy,” the cameraman repeatedly says. The victim hands the woman cash.
“Take the phone, take everything,” the cameraman says.
The woman then allegedly stole the victim’s wallet and cell phone.
At one point, the video shows at least five bystanders watching from the sidewalk across the street.
Police said the victim was not injured during the robbery. Investigators are currently working to identify suspects.
The video of the incident had been shared nearly 2,000 times on Facebook as of March 3.
Ansonia Police Chief Wayne Williams released a statement saying police have received a number of tips.
He urged people not to share the video — and noted the bystanders in the video did nothing to help, such as calling police.
“We are also aware of the social media video of this incident that is circulating. We would encourage people to stop sharing this video which revictimizes the victim in this case and sensationalizes the ridiculous actions of those involved. Instead of videotaping this robbery of a defenseless victim, responsible citizens should call 911. In this case, with all of the bar patrons standing outside, NOBODY called the police or helped the victim. We are better than this.”
