Police Investigate Spree Of Nassau County Gas Station, Convenience Store Robberies

JERICHO, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police are investigating a spree of gas station armed robberies in Nassau County.

There have been 13 incidents since December.

Police believe the same man is responsible for at least 10 of the incidents, including the shooting death of a BP gas station attendant.

Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter said police are doing everything possible to catch the suspect.

"It is one of the highest priorities of this department at this time," Krumpter said.

The suspect killed Hany Awad, 56, at a BP gas station on Jericho Turnpike in Jericho on Jan. 28, police said. Awad was shot in the torso and pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect also held up gas stations and a 7-Eleven store between Dec. 20 and Feb. 8 in Westbury, Hicksville and Jericho. He robbed at least three businesses twice, police said.

"We are very concerned," Krumpter told reporters, including CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff. "The subject has demonstrated that he is very violent."

In each incident, he demanded money at gunpoint and stole Newport cigarettes before running off on foot, police said.

Police released the following description of the suspect: male, black, 5 feet 11 to 6 feet tall, 20 to 25 years of age, thin build, wearing all black Nike clothing, black mask, black gloves, black Nike sneakers with red laces and armed with a black or silver revolver (possibly a "K" frame with 2½-inch barrel).

In an effort to prevent future robberies, police say they have stepped up patrols with a focus on gas stations and convenience stores in the area.

Andy Harris of Turnpike Service in Jericho said clerks there have been advised not to resist during a robbery.

"Give up the money as quickly as you can," he said. "Money is not worth your life."

A $35,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information to call 800-244-TIPS (8477).

In a separate incident, a Shell gas station on Rosedale Road in North Woodmere was robbed by a masked man armed with a knife on Monday night, police said.

The suspect in that case took off with 12 boxes of cigarettes and the cash register containing $241, owner Ekam Singh told 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera.

The incident is not believed to be connected to the suspect sought in Awad's murder.

Business owners are taking additional overnight safety measures, and customers are expressing concern, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

"I really feel for them," one man said. "They got it tough, and hopefully everybody will be safe and just watch each others' backs."

There have been no arrests in connection with any of the incidents.

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