Nassau Hotel Workers Grabbed Robber's Gun, Held Him Down: Police

WANTAGH, NY — Workers at a Wantagh hotel sprang into action Thursday when an armed man walked into the hotel and demanded cash. Police arrived at the hotel around 12:20 p.m. Thursday for a robbery in progress.

Justin Gagnon walked up to the front desk, flashed a hand gun, and ordered the 23-year-old male worker to hand over dollar bills from the register. The worker complied, and a struggle ensued between the robber and a 62-year-old female hotel manager.

The younger worker grabbed the gun during the confrontation and the struggle continued outside the hotel. There, a 54-year-old man helped hold down the robber until police arrived. Officers arrested Gagnon, 35, of East Hartford, Connecticut.

The victims both suffered minor injuries.

Gagnon received medical treatment at a hospital. He now faces charges of robbery, criminal possession weapon of a weapon and criminal use of a gun. He is expected in court Friday in Hempstead.

Residents reported seeing several police vehicles outside the hotel.