Crime spree suspect sought

Nassau County police are hunting a man linked to 21 robberies, including ones in North Woodmere and Hewlett, in which he has a large knife and usually demands cash, has taken the cash drawer in some instances and in more recent thefts has taken money and cigarettes, according to police.

“This subject is brazen and aggressive,” LeBrun said. He advised that store owners should be vigilant, keep their shops well-lit and keep windows clear of any obstructions so that they can see outside and passers-by can see inside at all times. He said that people should call police if they see anything suspicious. 

The robbery spree began on Feb. 9 of last year in North Woodmere at the Shell gasoline station on Rosedale Road and has continued with robberies on Jan. 10, 16 and 17. Police said the 15th robbery was on Oct. 5 at the cards and gift store in Hewlett.

Allegedly he has also robbed businesses such as a pharmacy, Chinese food restaurant, pizzeria, liquor store and beauty supply stores in Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Franklin Square and Elmont.

“We believe that he is staking out the store to make sure that there is nobody else in the store most of the time, and he is very quick,” LeBrun said. “He’s in and he’s out. He takes either a small amoun of cash or lottery tickets and cigarettes. He is not lingering in that store.”

He leaves the scene mostly on foot, but has been seen once on a bicycle and witnesses have seen a white Honda or Hyundai with yellow NY license plates in the area. The man is described as black, 5-10 to 6-feet tall, thin build, wearing a black jacket with a hooded sweatshirt, ski mask or scarf covering the lower part of his face, gloves and white-soled sneakers.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-8477. Calls are kept confidential. There is up to a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.