Police Arrest Suspected Getaway Driver in Mall Robbery

Police arrested a suspect Tuesday who police said crashed the getaway car after a March robbery at Lord & Taylor. 

Marcus Rooks, 30, of 85 Old Town Road Apt. 19, Vernon, was arrested Tuesday at the Hartford Police Department in connection with the March 10 robbery, in which two men allegedly stole from the Westfarms store, eluded mall security by jumping into a waiting car, which sped away and then crashed into a light pole.

The, Juan Antonio Cartagena, 26, and Alexander Barber, 29, both of Hartford, then fled on foot and were captured. The third escaped, though police said Barber and Cartagena identified him.

Crack cocaine was found in the car, police said.

Rooks was charged with first-degree robbery, fifth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, evading responsibility, operating under suspension, reckless driving and suspended registration. He was held on $75,000 bond and scheduled to appear June 7, 2011.