Thursday, May 1, 2008

Crooks Make Stop For Gas Station Cash
Armed Trio Serve Selves In Stickup

by Robert Pozarycki
Toting handguns, a trio of thieves filled up with cash during a robbery at a gas station near the Brooklyn/Queens border in Howard Beach on Sunday evening, Apr. 27, law enforcement sources reported.

Police said the stickup occurred at the Getty gas station located at 78-01 Linden Blvd.

The suspects were described by law enforcement sources as African-American males who were observed wearing black hooded sweatshirts. Two of the perpetrators reportedly wore masks during the heist.

According to police, the trouble began at around 9:45 p.m. Sunday night when the three suspects entered the Getty gas station on Linden Boulevard and displayed silver handguns.

One of the men reportedly went behind the counter and removed cash from the register, while a second suspect approached a male employee and took his wallet.

The third suspect, law enforcement sources said, pointed his gun at another male inside the station and removed a sum of cash.

After obtaining the items, it was noted, the three suspects fled from the scene inside a silver Nissan. Reportedly, a worker at the gas station followed the vehicle into Brooklyn.

While traveling northbound on Sapphire Street, according to information obtained by police, the getaway vehicle stopped and one of the perpetrators fired several shots at the worker’s vehicle. The suspects then fled from the area.

Members of the 106th Precinct responded to the scene of the stickup. No injuries were reported.

During a search of the surrounding area, police said, the silver Nissan was located near the intersection of Grant Street and Pitkin Avenue. The vehicle was reportedly found disabled and unoccupied.

Despite their efforts, it was noted, no immediate arrests were made in connection with the robbery.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the 106th Precinct Detective Squad, law enforcement sources said.

Anyone with any information regarding the stickup that could prove helpful is asked to call the 106th Precinct Detective Squad at 1-718-845-2260; all calls will be kept confidential.