LI Big Lots Robbed At Gunpoint: Police

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Big Lots store in Riverhead was robbed at gunpoint Tuesday, police said.

According to Riverhead Police, at 5:40 p.m., the manager of the store, located on Old Country Road, called authorities to say that two women were trying to steal merchandise in a baby carriage.

A second call came in immediately after the first; the manager then said a man was also trying to leave the store with a shopping cart full of merchandise and was refusing to pay, police said.

The female manager told the dispatcher that she was trying to block the male thief from leaving when he pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it toward her and another employee, saying that he did not have to pay for the merchandise, police said.

He then walked out of the store and into the parking lot, as did the two women; it is believed that all three got into a vehicle and left before police arrived, authorities said.

Police said the man was Black, about 5-feet, 11 inches tall, with an average build, in his late 40s to early 50s, and unshaven; he was wearing a black jacket with a gray hooded sweatshirt underneath, black shoes, black pants and a black -and-gray knit cap, authorities said.

While it is believed that the three were working together it has not been confirmed, police said.

Police units responded to the area, including a K-9 unit and detectives; the three were not found, police said.

Anyone who may have information regarding the robbery is asked to contact Riverhead Police at 631-727-4500.