Newton Police Department authorities announced Tuesday they have a man in custody who they suspect committed an armed robbery earlier this year.

Newton Police Chief Harvey Curry said Alton Vale, 32, was charged with the theft of cash and phone cards from Newton Junction Jan. 2. Curry said surveillance video played a key part in identifying Vale noting the suspect was disguised but his voice was very clear and distinct.

A turn in the investigation brought Newton authorities to Meridian.

“A robbery suspect for the Meridian Police Department was being held in Meridian and after talking to officials there, we had reason to believe he also may have been responsible for this incident,” said Curry. “We went to Meridian and conducted an interview with the suspect and that is what convinced us Vale was our suspect. I feel very confident that he is our man.”

Curry added there was other evidence that linked Vale to the Newton incident and possibly to another recent robbery.

More charges may be pending.