PORTLAND — A suspect, who stopped to light a cigarette after robbing a thrift store in downtown Portland at knifepoint, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon by Portland police.

Kirk T. Jardis, 35, of Brackett Street in Portland, walked into A Cut Above at 604 Congress St. around 1 p.m., brandished a knife, and demanded money. The clerk handed over a small amount of cash, but kept on eye on him while contacting police.

Lt. Gary Hutcheson said Jardis stopped to light a cigarette about 200 feet from the store, but by then it was too late.

Several police cruisers were already in the vicinity and arrested Jardis at Congress and High streets without incident.

Jardis has been charged with armed robbery, a class A felony, Hutcheson said. He is being held at the Cumberland County Jail on $560 cash bail.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.