New Haven police arrested a man Wednesday afternoon in connection with two bank robberies that occurred earlier in the day, one at the Fleet Bank on Broadway.

Thomas Shearer, 50, of New Haven, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of fourth-degree larceny, and interfering with a police officer.

At approximately 11:48 a.m., officers responded to the Fleet Bank at 88 Broadway after receiving reports of a bank robbery. A lone male had entered the building and demanded money from a teller, implying that he had a gun. The teller complied with the demand, and the suspect fled on foot.

About two hours later, at 1:58 p.m., police received another report of a bank robbery and responded to the First Union Bank at 391 Foxon Blvd. As in the first case, a lone male had entered the bank and demanded money while implying that he had a gun.

Officers at the bank were able to gather information about the suspect and the direction in which he had run. They determined that the man entered a restaurant at 405 Foxon Blvd. to elude police. Investigators found Shearer at that location and made the arrest, police said.

New Haven police were able to recover some cash, and they are continuing their investigation.

–Yale Daily News