Wantagh Man Who Flashed Gun In Antiques Store Faces Attempted Robbery Charge: Police

MERRICK, NY. — Police announced the arrest of a Wantagh man Saturday after police said he flashed a gun and demanded money in an antiques store.

Nassau County police said 36-year-old Nicholas Sarnelli entered an antique store on Sunrise Highway on Nov. 12, displayed a handgun and demanded money from a 69-year-old employee at the store. A brief struggle ensued that broke multiple items in the store before Sarnelli fled the store, police said.

Police said Saturday that they were able to locate Sarnelli after an investigation and arrest him. According to police, Sarnelli became violent and combative after being placed in custody, but no injuries were reported. Sarnelli now faces a first-degree charge of attempted robbery, a second-degree charge of menacing, a fourth-degree charge of criminal mischief and a charge of resisting arrest, police said. His arraignment was scheduled for Saturday.