Suffolk County police said they arrested a man suspected of robbing a Middle Island market on Monday evening.
A man wearing a cover over his face demanded money from a clerk at Barnwood Market on Middle Country Road and threatened the use of what appeared to be a gun concealed in his pocket at 5:15 p.m., police said.
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The suspect stole the register from the store and fled in a vehicle. An officer searching the area spotted a Dodge Stratus, matching the description of the car the robber fled in, but as the officer approached, a man got out of the car and ran away, police said.
The suspect returned as officers were impounding the Dodge, when he was taken into custody.
Francisco Cruz, 22, of Patchogue, was charged with robbery. He will be arraigned Tuesday at First District Court in Central Islip.
Sixth Squad detectives ask anyone who may have witnessed any of the events related to this incident or who may have information regarding this case to contact them at 631-854-8652 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
