Bridgeport Man Convicted In 2021 Armed Robbery In Fairfield: State's Attorney

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Superior Court jury in Bridgeport on Monday found a Bridgeport man guilty in connection with an armed robbery at a Shell gas station in Fairfield in 2021, according to Bridgeport Judicial District State's Attorney Joseph T. Corradino.

The jury found Torik Baldwin, 49, guilty of first-degree robbery after a two-day trial. Jurors also found Baldwin to be a persistent dangerous felony offender, increasing his maximum possible prison sentence from 20 years to 40 years.

Court proceedings were interrupted by an outburst from Baldwin, after which the judge ordered that he be tried in absentia, according to the state.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 15 in Bridgeport Superior Court.

According to evidence presented at trial, a suspect entered the Shell gas station at 1139 Post Road in Fairfield at about 7:40 p.m. Dec. 27, 2021, wearing black clothing. Prosecutors said the suspect approached the register with a roll of Mentos and, after the cashier opened the register, displayed what appeared to be a handgun from a black chest bag, pressed it against the cashier's elbow and demanded money from the register.

Prosecutors said the suspect placed the gun, the Mentos, cash and multiple rolls of coins into the bag before leaving the store.

Investigators testified that surveillance video showed a AAA vehicle leaving the area shortly after the robbery. Detectives later identified the same vehicle arriving at the gas station at about 7:06 p.m. through surveillance footage and license plate information. According to prosecutors, AAA confirmed Baldwin was operating the vehicle that evening and had been dispatched to a service call at 1139 Post Road.

Authorities said a search of Baldwin's apartment uncovered clothing matching that worn by the suspect in surveillance video, along with a black bag and a black Glock replica BB gun. Officers also recovered a roll of Mentos, cash and rolls of coins, according to the prosecution.

Assistant State's Attorney Elizabeth K. Moran prosecuted the case with assistance from Inspector Ed Zack.

Corradino said, "We are fortunate to have talented and capable career professionals to investigate and prosecute these cases. They continually demonstrate our office's commitment to protecting the community and the rule of law."