Coventry police arrest suspect in armed robbery after chase, search

COVENTRY, R.I. (WLNE) — The Coventry Police Department said Monday that they apprehended the suspect of an armed robbery at a gas station Sunday night.

According to police, Frank Rogowski Sr. allegedly entered the Quality Gas on Tiogue Avenue just after 10 p.m., with a bag over his head, carrying a rock and threatened the clerk saying he had a knife and demanded money.

Officials said Rogowski got away with a small safe, money and cigarettes but was spotted by police within two minutes of allegedly robbing the store after a third party called 911.

Rogowski allegedly got in a car and did not stop when officers attempted to pull him over. A chase ensued which police say ended near Maple Avenue on the Coventry and West Warwick line.

Rogowski is alleged to have abandoned the car, jumped down an embankment and fled into a wooded area. A search with K-9 units let to police finding Rogowski in shallow water, officials said.

He was taken into police custody without incident and treated at Kent Hospital for possible hyperthermia given the cold water temperatures.

Police said they later found evidence connected to the Quality Gas robbery inside the car Rogowski was driving.

After his release from the hospital, Rogowski was arraigned at Kent County District Court where he was held without bail at the ACI as a long-time convicted felon.