By Nick Buglione
Both robberies took place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, the first at a North Bellmore Mobil Gas Station, 871 Newbridge Road, shortly after 9 p.m.
The suspect, described by police as approximately 5'10'', 150 pounds with black hair, allegedly asked the station attendant for cigarettes, which he tried to purchase with an ATM card.
After the card was rejected, the suspect tried a second that the attendant also did not accept. Going behind the counter, he allegedly put a sharp, unknown object to the attendant's neck and demanded money.
A struggle ensued, resulting in a cut on the attendant's right hand. After reportedly grabbing a pack of Marlboro Lights, the suspect drove off in a gray or silver SUV and was last seen on Columbus Avenue. The victim was taken to the Nassau University Medical Center, where he was treated for his laceration and released.
Police said a short time later, a second robbery took place at the Getty Gas Station just down the block at 671 Newbridge Road in East Meadow.
At about 9:50 p.m., a similar gray or silver SUV pulled into the station and a Hispanic male, who got out on the passenger side, approached the attendant for cigarettes.
The two walked into the station store, and the suspect attempted to use a debit card to buy the cigarettes.
While the attendant was busy trying to complete the transaction, the suspect allegedly went around the counter, grabbed the attendant and put a sharp object to his throat.
"We recovered a weapon similar to what was described at the Mobile, at the Getty site," Det. Sgt. Gary Schriffen said. "A razor-like box cutter."
Following a struggle, which resulted in a small cut to the attendant's throat, the suspect fled the store in the SUV. The vehicle was last seen turning onto Hysler Avenue.
The police ask anyone with information concerning either of these incidents to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain anonymous.
