Watch CBS News

L.I. Armed Robbery Suspect Tased By Police

BELLPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A Long Island man has been arrested following an alleged armed robbery and a confrontation with police, authorities announced.

According to police, Joseph Pittman allegedly held up Bellport Deli & Grocery at knifepoint around 5 p.m. on Saturday. He threatened a female employee and demanded food before cutting himself in front of the clerk and stealing several items off the counter, police said.

Pittman was confronted by police in the parking lot as he was trying to flee. Pittman, 34, allegedly brandished the knife and threatened to hurt himself. The officers used their tasers to restrain Pittman, according to police.

The suspect was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Center in East Patchogue where he was treated and released for minor injuries, police said.

The Central Islip man has been charged with first-degree robbery, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence, police announced.

He is due to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Sunday.

Please offer your comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.