Cops Link Fatal BP Shooting to Nassau Gas Station Robbery Spree

The search continues for a suspect who Nassau Police say is wanted in connection with a string of armed robberies at Long Island gas stations – including one that left a victim dead.

Police said on Tuesday that the man has entered gas stations and a 7-Eleven in Westbury, Hicksville, and Jericho, confronting victims at gunpoint while verbally demanding money. The victims, fearing physical injury, complied. However, one of the robberies turned deadly in January when a BP attendant at a Jericho station was fatally shot.

Police say the suspect takes Newport cigarettes from the establishment before fleeing the scene on foot. No one has seen a vehicle in connection with these crimes, according to officials.

Police released a list Tuesday of establishments that have been hit:

• Dec. 20, 2014, 2:20 a.m., Citgo Gas Station, 495 Union Avenue, Westbury
• Dec. 31, 2014, 3:27 a.m., Mobil Gas Station, 79 Old Country Road, Westbury
• Jan. 8, 2015 12:25 a.m., 7-Eleven Store, 384 West John Street, Hicksville
• Jan. 12, 2015, 11:50 p.m., Mobil Gas Station, 79 Old Country Road, Westbury
• Jan. 13, 2015, 12:01 a.m., 7-Eleven Store, 384 West John Street, Hicksville
• Jan. 17, 2015 6:05 p.m., Citgo Gas Station, 495 Union Avenue, Westbury
• Jan. 19, 2015 9:14 p.m., Hess Gas Station, 880 Old Country Road, Westbury
• Jan. 28, 2015 9:10 p.m., BP Gas Station, 39 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho
• Feb. 6, 2015 9:35 p.m., Hess Gas Station, 800 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury
• Feb. 8, 2015, 10:20 a.m., Shell Gas Station, 420 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho

The robbery at the BP at 39 Jericho Turnpike on Jan. 28, left Hany Awad, a 56-year-old attendant from Levittown, dead.

The suspect is described as between 5-foot-11 and 6-feet, 20-25 years of age, and of thin build. He was said to be wearing all black Nike clothing, black mask, black gloves and black Nike sneakers with red laces.

Police say he is armed with a black or silver revolver, possibly a “K” frame with a 2-1⁄2 inch barrel.

Police have reported additional robberies, including one on Jan. 26, at 5:45 p.m., when a man armed with a black handgun robbed a BP station in New Hyde Park. Less than an hour later, a man with a similar description robbeda BP station in Thomaston. In both robberies, the man fired his weapon, but no one was struck.

For further information contact the Nassau County Police Department Robbery Squad at 516-573-8040, and refer to Robbery Squad Pattern 2-15.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the pictured suspect to call the toll free hotline: 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $10,000 reward for the arrest of the subject involved in these incidents.

Image: Surveillance pictures released by Nassau County Police

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