ARREST IN FATAL ROBBERY

A man was arrested Feb. 12 in connection with a fatal jewelry store robbery. Police said that Edmond Alma, a 46-year-old Washington Heights resident, was found with a number of items that were stolen during the robbery of R. S. Durant, at 962 Madison Ave. between East 74th and 75th streets. Police had a warrant to search Alma"s apartment, at 602 W. 180th St. and St. Nicholas Avenue. He was arrested after the search and charged with criminal possession of stolen property, though not with the murder of store employee Henry Menahem, who was shot and killed during the robbery. On Jan. 27, a man wearing dark sunglasses and a hat, with a ski mask covering his face, entered R. S. Durant and demanded jewels. When the employees refused, a fight ensued and the robber fired his gun, hitting 71-year-old Menahem in the chest. Reports said that Alma was found in possession of nearly three-dozen pieces of jewelry from the robbery, worth more than $1 million. Alma has not been ruled out as the murderer, but his lawyer said he did not shoot Menahem, according to news reports. Police said that the investigation is ongoing.