Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin E. Walsh reports that a Syracuse man has been charged in connection with a string of robberies. Robert M. Passero (46), of 605 Dewitt St., has been charged with five counts of robbery in the first degree, five counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, one count of assault in the 2nd degree, one count of reckless endangerment in the 2nd degree, and one count of criminal mischief in the 4th degree.
Passero is accused of going on a three day robbing spree stealing over $3,000 from five different local businesses.
On all five occasions, Passero is alleged to have entered each business carrying what appeared to be a large metal hand tool and threaten the clerks with the dangerous instrument.
Feb. 19 at 8:30 p.m.; Michael’s Arts & Crafts Supply, located at 337 Northern Lights Plaza.
Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Payless Shoes, located at 186 Northern Lights Plaza.
Feb. 20 at 11:05p.m.; Domino’s Pizza, located at 2022 Teall Avenue.
Feb. 21 at 2:15 p.m.; Shop City Wines and Liquors, located at 121 Shop City Plaza.
Feb. 22 at 1:05 p.m.; Freihofer’s Thrift Shop, located at 2301 Teall Avenue.
Passero was taken into custody for questioning yesterday afternoon within 15 minutes of the Freihofer’s robbery when members of the Syracuse Police Department and Sheriff’s Detectives spotted the suspect’s vehicle outside of 770 James Street. Passero, was lodged at the Onondaga County Justice Center without bail for a violating his parole.
During the course of the investigation, sheriff’s detectives recovered two vehicles believed to have been used in the robberies by Passero and will be executing search warrants in attempts to identify and locate the dangerous instrument.
Passero will be arranged sometime tonight, once arrangements are made with the appropriate Court. Robbery in the first degree is a class B felony, assault in the 2nd degree is a class D felony, criminal possession of a weapon in the 4th degree, reckless endangerment in the 2nd degree and criminal mischief in the 4th degree are class A misdemeanors.
Sheriff’s detectives will continue their investigation, working with the Syracuse Police Department, New York State Police and New York State Parole Office.
