Man charged after police say he committed ten robberies in two weeks

Amanda Pitts

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@AmandaPittsTV

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A two-week armed robbery spree in Providence came to an end Tuesday afternoon.

“We got lucky,” said Major David Lapatin.

The spree started September 18th at a CVS on Webster Avenue and continued at a 7-11, a Domino’s Pizza, four Walgreens, and three Family Dollar’s. It was during the tenth robbery Monday night when detectives struck gold.

“The suspect went into the store, again, robbed the store, he spotted him coming out,” said Lapatin.

Klimo Kotoe, 21, ran from police and hopped into a car around the corner from the store.

A chase ensued, ending in a crash. The driver, 24-year-old Kpormen Johnson, was arrested at the scene.

Kotoe got away, but police later caught up with him after executing a search warrant at a Hartford Avenue apartment Tuesday afternoon. They said they found incriminating evidence at the residence.

After the fifth robbery, a task force was formed. Officers spent days staking out businesses across the city waiting for the suspects to strike, just hoping luck would be in their favor.

“I say we got lucky cause there’s always a certain amount of luck when you deal with armed robberies around the city. You have to be in the right place at the right time,” said Lapatin.

Johnson was charged in two of the armed robberies, and police said more charges could come. Kotoe was charged in ten robberies at the locations and dates below.

  1. Sept. 18, 6:09 p.m. – CVS at 131 Webster Ave.
  2. Sept. 23, 7:05 p.m. – Family Dollar at 150 Pocassett Ave.
  3. Sept. 24, 2:52 p.m. – Walgreens at 1 Pocassett Ave.
  4. Sept. 24, 9:15 p.m. – Walgreens at 354 Admiral St.
  5. Sept. 24, 11:59 p.m. – Walgreens at 295 Academy Ave.
  6. Sept. 26, 1:31 a.m. – 7-Eleven at 65 Manton Ave.
  7. Sept. 27, 10:26 p.m. – Domino’s Pizza at 1010 Chalkstone Ave.
  8. Sept. 28, 10:32 p.m. – Walgreens at 295 Academy Ave.
  9. Sept. 29, 7:05 p.m. – Family Dollar at 150 Pocassett Ave.
  10. Oct. 1, 9:25 p.m. – Family Dollar at 1030 Chalkstone Ave.

Both men are being held without bail and will be back in court later this month.

(c) WLNE-TV 2018

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