Police: Arrest Made in Port Jeff Station Robbery Spree

A Port Jefferson Station man was arrested on Wednesday and charged in a string of recent robberies at local businesses, police said.

Benjamin Rakoczy, 32, was arrested shortly after he robbed New York Gold Center in Coram, police said.

Rakoczy demanded cash from a clerk at the store and then fled with cash at approximately 10:50 a.m. Being aware of a suspect vehicle description previously issued, officer Greg Stroh stopped a vehicle at about 11:15 a.m. and observed that the driver, Rakoczy, was in possession of the stolen cash, police said.

Rakoczy was arrested and further investigation by Sixth Squad detectives revealed Rakoczy also robbed the following four businesses in Port Jefferson Station within the last 13 days:

· The Family Dollar Store, 526 Route 112 on Sept. 19

· Carvel, 407 Route 112, on Sept. 23

· Gold Coast Gold Buyers, 1125 Route 112, on Sept. 28

· GNC, 560 Jefferson Plaza, on Sept. 29

Rakoczy is charged with five counts of third degree robbery, criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument, operating a vehicle with a suspended registration, aggravated unlicensed operation and uninsured operator.

Rakoczy will be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct in Selden and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Thursday.

The investigation is continuing and police request that anyone with information call Sixth Squad detectives at 631-854-8652.

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