Bronx man charged in alleged North Lawrence robbery

A Bronx man who claimed he was a police officer and had a gun was arrested for the alleged robbery of several items at the Lowe’s at 253-01 Rockaway Tpke., in North Lawrence at 4:30 p.m. on April 21.

Police said Sekou Shutsha, 51, of 2010 Bruckner Blvd., was seen by a store employee putting the items under his clothing and then tying to leave without paying for the merchandise.

The employee, 38, asked Shutsha to come back into the store. That was when Shutsha said he was a cop and had a firearm, which turned out to be a nail gun, and threatened violence against the employee and everyone in the Lowe’s, according to police.

After making the threats Shutsha, who was actually just released from jail, allegedly removed what the police called “an object” and pointed it at the employee. The police were called and arrested Shutsha without incident.

He is charged with robbery first-degree, robbery second-degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon third-degree, petit larceny, menacing second-degree and possession of burglar tools. He was arraigned in Mineola on April 22.

Shutsha, who is represented by the Legal Society of Nassau County, is being held on a $200,000 bond and $100,000 cash bail. His next court date is May 22.