Watch CBS News

Police Investigate Armed Driveway Robberies Less Than 2 Miles Apart On Long Island

WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Nassau County police are investigating whether the same people are responsible for two driveway stickups Wednesday night.

In the first case, police said a man was getting out his car in the driveway of his Nightingale Road home in West Hempstead when he was approached by three men in their 20s, who were all wearing black hoodies.

One of the suspects pulled out a handgun and demanded the victim's property, but the suspects ran off empty-handed when the victim's wife pulled into the driveway, police said.

Police Investigate 2 Armed Driveway Robberies On Long Island

"He was accosted by three guys in his driveway, but right as they were doing that his wife pulled up right behind him and obviously scared them away," neighbor Dennis Quitoni told 1010 WINS Mona Rivera. "She's pregnant. I'm sure it was very scary for them."

"Thank goodness nothing happened, no violence," neighbor Jean Chassagne added. "I'm hoping it was just a random act and nothing that's a consistent thing in West Hempstead."

Fifteen minutes later, police said three men with a similar description robbed a 49-year-old man of his wallet and cellphone in the driveway of his Maple Avenue home in South Hempstead, less than two miles from the first incident.

In the second case, police said the suspects were wearing black hoodies and bandanas covering their faces. One of the suspects also had a gun.

No injuries were reported in either incident.

Police are warning homeowners to be vigilant in their own yards. The same MO has been used before on Long Island -- robbers leaping out of a car, displaying a gun and demanding cash, phones and wallets, CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan reported.

"I hope police catch the people doing this. I hope no one hurts me and my family," victim's neighbor Michelle Leesal said.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories:

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.