Man Arrested For Suffolk Gunpoint Robbery Spree: Cops

Suffolk Police say they have caught the man who robbed three 7-Elevens and two gas stations at gunpoint over the past two months.

Marchell Rountree, 50, was arrested Monday, two days after police released a surveillance photo from one of the robberies.

“This individual turned himself in to police after his mother recognized him in surveillance photos used in media reports of the robberies,” Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini said. “He has now been arrested and faces prosecution thanks to proper surveillance measures employed by these businesses, the information issued by the Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Crime Stoppers, and assistance by the local media in alerting residents to this crime spree.”

He stated to police, in sum and substance, “Lots of people saw my picture, but a mother knows her child,” according to court documents.

Rountree, of Bellport, is charged with five counts of five degree robbery. He was scheduled to be arraigned Monday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Police say Rountree, who wore a surgical mask during the robberies, is accused of robbing the following businesses:

• 7-Eleven, located at 139 Sunrise Highway, East Patchogue, on Feb. 17 at approximately 11:45 p.m.
• Speedway, located at 80 Horseblock Road, Yaphank, on Feb. 25 at approximately 8:15 p.m.
• 7-Eleven, located at 139 Sunrise Highway, East Patchogue, on April 21 at approximately 3:20 a.m.
• Valero, located at 151 Hospital Road, East Patchogue, on April 24 at approximately 1:55 a.m.
• 7-Eleven, located at 796 Broadway Ave., Holbrook, on April 28 at approximately 2 a.m.

SCPD photo