Man Indicted in Shoplifting Spree, Car Jacking

A man was arraigned Monday on robbery, assault, and larceny charges stemming from a six-month shoplifting spree that involved a car jacking, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Alexander Wachmyanin, 50, who has no known address, was formally charged with two counts of second-degree robbery, third-degree robbery, second- and third-degree assault, three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, second-degree reckless endangerment, fourth-degree criminal mischief, third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle and six counts of petty larceny, the DA said.

If convicted of the top charge, Wachmyanin could face up to 15 years in prison, authorities said.

The spree began on Jan. 14 when Wachmyanin stole from a Westbury Rite Aid, officials said. On April 14, Wachmyanin shoplifted from three CVS stores in Hewlett and East Rockaway, the DA said.

On April 22, Wachmyanin returned to one CVS, located at 488 Ocean Ave. in East Rockaway, took several items from shelves, and tried to leave without paying, Nassau County Police said in June. The store’s manager and an employee confronted him and gave chase as he fled, cops said. CVS personnel caught him and, after a brief struggle, took back the stolen items, police said.

Wachmyanin escaped their grasp and continued fleeing when he came across a woman getting into her running car, police said. He shoved her out of the way and jumped into the car as witnesses tried to pull him out, cops said.

To escape, Wachmyanin backed into the car behind him, drove up onto the victim’s lawn, and fled, police said.

Wachmyanin also stole from a West Hempstead CVS on May 24 and a Garden City Key Food on June 25 and 26, the DA said.

Among the items reported stolen were over the counter medicines, hair treatment products, and razors, authorities said.

Wachmyanin was charged on June 28 after forensics cleared another man who had been accused of the East Rockaway incident, officials said.

Wachmyanin is due back in court Aug. 17.

Image via NCPD