NEW MILFORD — A 55-year old man was arrested Friday after allegedly defecating in the parking lot of a bank before robbing it, police said.
Russell Mace of New Milford faces charges of conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny, fifth-degree larceny, second-degree breach of peace and two counts of risk of injury to a child, police said.
A woman came into the Union Savings Bank at 41 East St. on Friday afternoon and told a teller that she had seen a man in the parking lot pull down his pants and defecate.
Moments later, Mace came into the bank and demanded money, said New Milford Police Lt. Larry Ash.
The teller handed Mace several thousand dollars, Ash said.
Police recognized Mace on the bank's surveillance footage. Mace had prior active warrants for a purse snatching crime, Ash said. They found him in New Britain.
His wife Erin Mace, also of New Milford, was arrested at the same time. She also had active warrants for her role in alleged purse snatching crimes, Ash said.
Police said Russell Mace was also charged with two counts of risk of injury to a minor because his 1-year-old and 4-year-old children were in the car at the time of the bank robbery.
Police said the children were also present during the alleged purse snatching crimes. The children are now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families, Ash said.
Police are also investigating whether Erin Mace was involved in the bank robbery because she was present in the car as well, Ash said.
Bail was initially set at $500,000, but when he was arraigned Monday, it was reduced to $150,000, Ash said.
He is due back in court Jan. 4.
