The Harmambee Youth Center. File photo: Carol Kaliff
DANBURY — An Elm Street resident is facing a felony charge after police said he robbed a man who was working out Thursday evening at the Harambee Center for Youth.
Jose Anthony Torrez, 20, approached the victim inside the 54 West St. facility at about 6 p.m. and told him to give everything he had in his pockets, according to police.
When the victim said he did not have anything, Torrez told him to give all he had “or else” and then made a gesture as if he had a weapon on him, police said.
The victim handed Torrez about $20, left the building and called the police, according to the report.
Police said officers saw the suspect still inside the building when they arrived but he ran outside and engaged police in a foot pursuit through several blocks and then back to the center. The officers eventually found him hiding underneath a boxing ring at the Harambee, police said.
Torrez was charged with third-degree robbery for indicating he had a weapon, although none was found, as well as misdemeanor sixth-degree larceny and interfering with an officer.
He’s being held on $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 15.