Woodbury police have arrested a man who allegedly pulled a pistol and robbed a West St. Paul man of $350 during a Sept. 6 incident that began at Central Park.

Investigators believe the suspect could be linked to similar thefts at Central Park since June, Cmdr. Jay Alberio told Patch.

The latest incident began at Central Park at a little before 8 p.m. on Sept. 6 during a supposed transaction for an iPad via Craigslist, according to a police report. At the east doors of the indoor park, the alleged victim met the suspect, who told him he needed a ride to a friend’s house. The West St. Paul man drove him to an area near the 2200 block of Vining Drive, the report says.

When the alleged victim was reaching for the money, the suspect brandished a black pistol, possibly a Beretta, according to the report. The victim gave him the money and the suspect fled on foot.

The suspect was arrested the next day, Friday, Sept. 7, Alberio said.

There have been a handful of similar incidents at Central Park since June, Alberio said. Victims have reported a similar-looking suspect in those cases.

The man claims he is selling something via Craigslist, takes money from people and flees, Alberio said. The suspect could be connected to a similar incident in Cottage Grove, as well.

Authorities expect the man will be charged later this week or early next, Alberio said.

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