Arrest In Armed Robbery Of Mahopac Game Store

MAHOPAC, NY — A 43-year-old Mahopac man was arrested Friday, accused of robbing the game store on Clark Place at gunpoint on Dec. 1. Anthony Pesiri not only brandished a handgun but hit the store clerk with it, police said.

Police said Pesiri displayed what appeared to be a black firearm at the Video Games Plus Store in Mahopac and pointed it towards the register clerk demanding that he open the cash register. When the clerk refused, Pesiri struck him several times with the gun, then grabbed the register and carried it out of the store. The clerk suffered lacerations and bruises on his head and upper arm.

After an extensive investigation by Carmel police detectives and interviews of the victim and witnesses, officers were able to identify a suspected get-away vehicle and subsequently a person of interest.

"Through good solid police work, interviews and surveillance, detectives executed a searchwarrant and recovered valuable evidence related to this robbery," said Chief Michael Cazzari in a press release. "The Carmel Police Department wishes to thank the many residents and business owners for all of their assistance in this investigation. It is our caring community that always comes together in times of trouble to assist their neighbors, thank you."

Carmel police officers conducted a felony traffic stop and arrested Pesiri Jan. 4. Detectives have also linked Pesiri to other larcenies, grand larcenies and criminal acts in the Town of Carmel, police said.

The police department is asking that anyone who may have information in connection with this incident or other crimes to contact the Detective Division at Carmel Police Department (845)628-1300, all callers will be kept strictly confidential.