Cops: Stratford Man Robs Patrons with Fake Gun

A Stratford man who police said held up two people with a fake gun at Stratford Center has been charged with first-degree robbery.

Joseph Hylinski, 23, of Alfred Court, was held on $25,000 bond.

The incident happened at about 10:30 p.m. Monday, according to Glenn Zuklie, the owner of , who said the holdup took place in a parking lot that houses numerous businesses behind his restaurant.

said two patrons left McCoy's Pub and were approached by Hylinski, who, after displaying an apparent firearm, robbed the individuals of cash and two cell phones.

Zuklie said he called police after patrons informed him of the robbery.

"If it was not for the pub patrons who acted fast as witnesses who provided me with the information that I told the police, they would still be looking for this individual," the restaurant owner told Stratford Patch on Facebook.

"As a business owner we have a duty to our patrons to keep our business safe, in effect by aiding in the arrest I think we did our civil duty," he said.

Police said Hylinksi was found in the area of Stratford Center and identified as the suspect by one of the complainants. The fake firearm was also located in the area, police said.

Hylinski is due in court May 2.