CHICOPEE, Ma. — A suspect in series of bank robberies including three in New Haven, was arrested Saturday.
Police said on Saturday November 21, shortly before 7:50 p.m. officers went to the Days Inn at 450 Memorial Dr. where the suspects were staying. When police tried to arrest Juan Cruz, 37, they said he jumped out of a window from the second floor. Police arrested him on the ground. Melissa Sandillo, 33, of Albany NY was also arrested.
Police believe Cruz was involved in the November 7 robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank at 205 Church St. in New Haven. He is wanted on a warrant for the October 20 robbery of the same Wells Fargo bank. He is a suspect in the October 15 robbery of the Santander bank located at 215 Grand Avenue. He was recently released from a seven-year prison sentence for robbing an East Haven bank.
Cruz was arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant in connection with six bank robberies, three in New Haven, and others in Albany NY.
Sandillo was also arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant, but it’s unclear if she was involved in the bank robberies.
Police said the suspects will be arraigned in Chicopee District Court for fugitive charges on Monday
If the suspects chose to fight extradition, they will be in court again tomorrow for another hearing. If Cruz waives extradition, New Haven PD or Albany PD can come and get him soon after court arraignment.
Cruz is a convicted felon and on probation.
