Pair Charged In 2 Suffolk Bank Robberies

Two men have been charged in two bank robberies in Suffolk County that occurred on consecutive days this week. Raymond Peruggi and Damien Beeker were arrested Friday, Suffolk Police said.

Peruggi, who is homeless, and Beeker, of Ronkonkoma, are accused of robbing the TD Bank located at 1806 Route 112 in Medford on Tuesday and the Chase Bank located at 385 Route 25A in Miller Place on Wednesday.

During a press briefing Friday afternoon, Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said a canvass of the area following the Medford robbery turned up witnesses at a fast food restaurant.

"They identified two suspicious individuals and supplied a description to detectives," Cameron said. "These individuals left in a Mitsubishi Lancer, which is a somewhat unusual vehicle."

Police found the vehicle, as well as Peruggi and Beeker, at a Centereach hotel Friday, police said.

Peruggi entered both banks with a note demanding cash, while Beeker acted as a lookout, Cameron said.

Peruggi, 27, and Beeker, 32, are each charged with two counts of second-degree robbery. They were held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and were scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip Friday.