The Third Squad reports the arrest of an Undomiciled man for a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 5:45 am in Bellerose Terrace.
According to Detectives, an unknown male entered the 7-11 located at 225-08 Jericho Turnpike. Once inside, the subject approached a 23-year-old male employee and brandished a knife while demanding cigarettes. The employee refused, at which time the defendant removed multiple bags of candy, valued at approximately $492. USC, and exited the store without rendering payment. The subject then fled scene on foot.
On Monday, August 10, 2026, detectives located the Defendant Derek A. Atwater, 45, exiting the Dollar Tree located at 250-80 Jericho Turnpike carrying a reusable bag being followed by the store manager. The store manager approached detectives and it was determined that the defendant had just selected various items, concealed them in the reusable bag and passed all points of purchase without rendering payment. Detectives placed the defendant under arrest without incident. Further investigation revealed the defendant is also responsible for four additional larceny that occurred at that Dollar Tree in August.
Defendant Derek A. Atwater is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Menacing 2nd Degree and five counts of Petit Larceny. He will be arraigned on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at First District Court 99 Main Street.