1-16-2024 4:26pm

Armed Robber Threatens Long Island Employee Over $3 Gas: According to Police

Samantha Hespos Editor

Roy Braithwaite, age 34, was arrested weeks after he reportedly robbed a Carle Place gas station, pulling a gun on a teen employee in order to get $3 worth of gas, police said. Photo Credit: Nassau County Police Department

In a recent incident on Long Island, a man was apprehended several weeks after he purportedly brandished a gun, threatening a gas station employee over a mere few dollars' worth of gas, according to the police.

On Monday, January 15, Roy Braithwaite, a 34-year-old resident of Uniondale, was arrested by Nassau County Police in relation to an incident that occurred in December 2023.

Around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, Roy Braithwaite entered the Carle Place Lukoil gas station situated at 500 Westbury Avenue. Braithwaite's intention was to make a gas purchase, and he proceeded to attempt payment using his debit card.

The incident unfolded as Braithwaite engaged in a routine transaction at the gas station. However, the situation took a troubling turn, leading to subsequent legal actions. Further details regarding the nature of the interaction and the events that transpired during the attempted payment with the debit card may emerge as the legal proceedings progress. The arrest made on January 15 highlights the response by Nassau County Police in addressing the situation that occurred on that December evening.

Upon facing denial of his card, Braithwaite reportedly escalated the situation. He allegedly began yelling at the 18-year-old gas station employee, exhibiting aggressive behavior by throwing a chair against a display case. The situation took a dangerous turn as Braithwaite then allegedly brandished a black handgun, adding an element of threat and intimidation to the unfolding events at the Carle Place Lukoil gas station on that evening of December 21.

In a distressing turn of events, Braithwaite allegedly pointed the gun at the teen employee, demanding authorization for his transaction. Upon the employee's cooperation, Braithwaite reportedly exited the store, proceeded to pump $3 worth of gas into his car, and swiftly fled the scene, leaving behind a concerning incident at the Carle Place Lukoil gas station. The actions described underscore the gravity of the situation and the threat posed by Braithwaite during this encounter.

Following an investigation, Roy Braithwaite was apprehended at his residence in Uniondale. He now faces charges of robbery and menacing in connection with the incident at the Carle Place Lukoil gas station. The arrest underscores law enforcement's efforts to address the alleged criminal actions and ensure accountability.

Roy Braithwaite is set to be arraigned on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at First District Court in Hempstead. The legal proceedings will provide a formal setting for the charges of robbery and menacing to be addressed within the judicial system.