SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictments of four men for Robbery in the Second Degree at the Lucky 7 Smoke Shop in Ronkonkoma. The accused are Albert Diaz, 22, Angel Argueta, 19, Bassarna Malcom, 18, and Vasco Arnault, 19.
On September 21, at about 12:35 a.m., the accused, along with a fifth yet-to-be-apprehended individual, entered the Lucky 7 Smoke Shop. As the store clerk was preparing to close, Diaz, Argueta, Arnault and the unidentified co-defendant jumped over the counter, while Malcom began stealing merchandise. Arnault allegedly grabbed the store clerk by the neck, lifted him into the air, and threatened him while displaying what appeared to be a handgun.
The clerk, fearing for his life, complied with their demands. The group stole merchandise and an unspecified amount of cash from the register before fleeing. A patrolling Suffolk County Police Department officer saw them leave the shop and followed their vehicle. Upon stopping, four of the accused ran off in different directions. Three were later apprehended.
District Attorney Tierney stressed the severity of the crime, stating, “Retail employees in Suffolk County should not have to fear for their safety. Our goal is to deter criminals by ensuring they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek the fifth individual involved in the robbery.