DA Indicts 3 For Downtown Armed Smoke Shop Robs: Officials

WEST VILLAGE, NY — Indictments were handed down Tuesday to a trio of men who authorities say were involved in four armed robberies of smoke shops in the West Village, Chelsea and Union Square.

Brooklyn residents Michael David, 22, Derrick Fleming, 25, and Jalen Robertson, 21, were all charged with various counts of robbery, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

“As alleged, these defendants robbed several Manhattan smoke shops and threatened the lives of hardworking store clerks,” said District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “We will continue to stand up for the safety of our workers and will not allow smoke shops to become magnets for violent crime.”

According to statements and court documents, the trio, all supposed members of a Bloods subset known as the Mac Baller Brims, committed the four robberies, typically with defendant David walking into a store, brandishing a pistol and demanding cash.

The crew would then flee in a getaway vehicle, Bragg's office said.

The most recent robbery on Jan. 13 happened at a West Village convenience store on Seventh Avenue and West 13th Street, officials said.

David and Robertson entered just past 8 p.m., with David forcing the store clerk to lie on the ground at gunpoint while he grabbed cash and merchandise, according to officials.