The New Hartford Police Department arrested a 35 year old Utica man and charged him with the strong armed robbery of the Nice and Easy convenience store, located on Genesee Street, in the Village of New Hartford, at 3:10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The store clerk was forcibly robbed of cash after a brief struggle. The suspect then fled in a dark colored sedan heading north on Genesee Street.

An investigation into the crime by Sgt. Mike Inserra developed information that a similar type incident had occurred in the City of Utica at a convenience store prior to the New Hartford incident. At that time a suspect was developed and warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest.

At about 12:25 p.m. Inv. Steve Laymon of the New Hartford PD Warrant Division, with the assistance of the Utica Police Warrant Division, arrested Andrew E. Frank at his home at 926 Lansing Street.

Frank was found hiding in the attic of the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Frank was arraigned in the New Hartford Town Criminal Court by Judge James VanSlyke and committed to the Oneida County Jail without bail. Frank has an extensive criminal record with seven past felony convictions.

He was recently released from parole supervision on 4/23/08.

Members of the New York State Parole Division also assisted the New Hartford Police.