Groton — Town police arrested a local man who they alleged robbed the Dunkin' Donuts on Poquonnock Road at gunpoint early Tuesday morning.

Melvin Hooks Jr., 29, of 130 Branford Ave., was charged with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, criminal use of a firearm and criminal possession of a firearm.

Police said at 4:10 a.m. they responded to Dunkin' Donuts for a report of an armed robbery. Police said the robber, later identified as Hooks, approached employees as they were preparing to open.

He displayed a gun and demanded money. Police said he fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Witnesses were able to provide police with a description and direction of travel.

A short time later, a Groton City officer found Hooks in the area of Thomas Road, but he fled when police tried to make contact with him.

City, town and state police set up a perimeter of the area and began a systematic search for him.

During the search, police located evidence from the robbery.

Police were able to track Hooks to his address, where they found the stolen money and the weapon.

Hooks has numerous drug convictions.

"Effective interagency communication of the suspect description, keen alertness by officers and troopers, and the exceptional working relationship between the agencies, led to the swift and effective resolution of this crime of violence," said Lt. John Varone.

Hooks is being held on a $250,000 bond, pending his arraignment today in New London Superior Court.

i.larrañeta@theday.com

Twitter: @larraneta