Long Island Man Charged In String Of Armed Robberies

BROOKHAVEN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A 35-year-old Long Island man has been arrested in connection with a series of armed robberies in Suffolk County that hit gas stations and other businesses, authorities said.

The string of incidents took place starting in late October, police said. Among the locations were gas stations in Calverton, Mastic, North Babylon, St. James, Dix Hills, and Bohemia as well as Jamba Juice in Stony Brook, Kissed by the Sun Tanning in Islip, and CVS Pharmacy in Lake Ronkonkoma.

An armed suspect would pretend to buy something and then demand cash, according to authorities. They made an arrest Saturday, using tips and video surveillance to identify the suspect, and taking him into custody while he was driving in Brookhaven.

Paul Tromblee, of Manorville, N.Y., has been charged with eight counts of first-degree robbery and one count of third-degree robbery. He is scheduled to be arraigned Sunday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Police are investigating whether he might have been responsible for other robberies in the area. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS. All calls are kept confidential.

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