Ex-Employee Foiled In Bid To Rob Great Neck Pizzeria At Knifepoint: PD

GREAT NECK, NY — A former pizzeria employee was arrested Monday for attempting to rob the Great Neck restaurant at knifepoint, authorities said.

It happened shortly before 12 p.m. at a pizzeria on Great Neck Road.

Nassau County police said they would not publicly disclose the address of the pizzeria out of respect for the business. The pizzeria declined to comment when contacted by Patch.

Police have identified Frank Prestia, 26, of Little Neck, as the man who tried to rob the business. They say Prestia was aware that he wasn't allowed back on the property due to past incidents, but trespassed anyway.

Around 11:55 a.m., Prestia entered the pizzeria and began threatening employees with a knife while demanding money, police said. The manager was able to detain the suspect until authorities arrived.

No injuries were reported.

Prestia has been charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree menacing, first-degree attempted robbery, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday at First District Court in Hempstead.