LEWISTON – It took police just minutes late Tuesday to catch up with a man they say robbed a Lisbon Street convenience store just before midnight.

Police said Paul Russell, 39, walked into the Xtra Mart at 1104 Lisbon St. wearing a black hat with eye holes cut out of it. They say he produced a knife and demanded money from the clerk working behind the counter.

Police said Russell also demanded cigarettes when he allegedly robbed the store.

Moments after the store clerk called police, several officers swarmed on the area and found Russell walking toward his home on nearby Rosedale Street.

Police said Russell had ditched the clothing he wore during the heist but that he otherwise matched the description provided by the Xtra Mart employee.

Investigators said they also found a large amount of cash, cigarettes and a folding knife when they searched Russell. He was arrested and taken to the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn, where he remained Wednesday night.