Two men have been charged by West Hartford Police in connection with the January 2024 armed robbery of City Line Liquor.

Stevelan Snowden (left) and Devon Kempson-Cook. Courtesy of West Hartford Police

By Ronni Newton

An investigation that has been underway by the West Hartford Police Department’s Detective Division and Community Support Unit since early 2024 has resulted in the arrest by warrant of two men in connection with an armed robbery of a package store.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at approximately 7:21 p.m., police said two men entered City Line Liquor, located at 595 Prospect Avenue, demanding money from the cash register.

Following the incident, police shared surveillance photos from City Line Liquor, and issued descriptions of the suspects, in order to obtain assistance from the public in identifying them. One of the suspects displayed a black pistol during the incident, Capt. Daniel Moffo said in the original report.

Two employees were present in the store at the time of the robbery, police said. One employee was pepper-sprayed and the other was punched in the face, with both sustaining minor injuries as a result, police said, before the suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

In a news release Tuesday, Lt. Ryan Riley said that Stevelan Snowden, 42, and Devon Kempson-Cook, 37, both of Hartford, were arrested following the investigation and face multiple charges.

Snowden has been charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, and second-degree assault with a firearm. He was released after posting a $75,000 cash/surety bond and is due to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Feb. 3. According to online court documents, Snowden also faces armed robbery and other charges related to an incident in Newington.

Kempson-Cook was charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, and third-degree assault. He was issued a $90,000 cash/surety bond, remains in custody, and is due in Hartford Superior Court on Jan. 9. Kempson-Cook also faces charges in connection with an armed robbery in Hartford, online court documents show.

Anyone who has additional information about this incident is asked to please contact West Hartford Police at 860-523-5203 or use the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969 or email [email protected].

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