Armed Man Tied Up Patrons Before L.I. Heist, Cops Say
WEST BABYLON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Police are looking for a suspect that may be connected to a string of armed robberies at women's clothing stores on Long Island.
On Oct. 12, a man entered a New York and Company clothing store in West Babylon, where he tied up patrons and employees before stealing cash.
Police believe the armed robber behind Monday's heist may be responsible for similar robberies at clothing stores in Babylon, Carle Place and East Meadow.
"It's scary to think you can't even go shopping anymore for fear that you're going to be robbed while you're in the store," one patron told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan.
The masked suspect will bind patrons and employees together using cloth tape, wire and duct tape before taking purses, jewelry and cash from the stores' registers and safes, McLogan reported.
"The most important this is to remain calm, be cooperative, comply with the demands of the suspect are," Suffolk County Police Det. Lt. John Rowan said. "Property can always be replaced."
The suspect is said to be 5'8" to 5'10" with a thin build, and typically wears a black face mask, a black hooded sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. He is armed with a black handgun.
"You're trying to make a living, and you don't know if you're going to come out alive," one patron said.