Suffolk County, NY – Four defendants were indicted Wednesday in connection with a gunpoint robbery that unfolded during a planned clothing sale in a Middle Island apartment complex.
The indictment followed an investigation into an October 9 incident in which the defendants allegedly lured the victim under the pretense of purchasing clothing.
The encounter escalated when firearms were allegedly displayed and clothing valued at about $6,000 was taken.
Key Points
- Four defendants were indicted in a gunpoint robbery tied to a planned clothing sale
- Firearms were allegedly displayed as clothing was taken from the victim’s vehicle
- Three loaded illegal firearms and stolen property were later recovered
According to investigators, the victim arrived at the parking lot around 5 p.m. to meet two of the defendants before the remaining defendants arrived shortly after.
The interaction began as a discussion about the clothing advertised for sale, during which one defendant allegedly attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle.
When the victim tried to stop the attempted vehicle theft, two defendants allegedly displayed firearms and fought with him.
The remaining defendants allegedly removed clothing from inside the victim’s vehicle before the group fled to a nearby apartment.
A K-9 search led to some of the stolen property, and police located the apartment where the defendants were allegedly hiding.
The individuals surrendered after calling 911, and additional property and firearms were recovered during a search.
On November 6, the defendants were arraigned on charges including robbery in the first degree, criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.
Judge Karen Kerr ordered each defendant held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2,500,000 partially secured bond.
The defendants were each assigned counsel and provided future court dates following their arraignments.
If convicted on the top count, each faces up to 25 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision.
The case is being prosecuted by the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.
The investigation was conducted by members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Seventh Squad.
