Couple charged in North Merrick gas station robbery, police say

A North Woodmere couple has been charged with robbing a North Merrick gas station on Tuesday evening, making off with an unknown sum after the man showed a 62-year-old worker a pistol and demanded money, Nassau police said.

Jerald Gadsden, 31, and Heleena Velazquez-Krupp, 28, had entered the station on Merrick Avenue at about 7:10 p.m., and they approached the worker.

"The victim, in fear of his life, complied and opened the store register," giving the cash to Gadsden, the police statement said.

The two were arrested after being found driving a 2011 Honda Pilot on Hewlett Drive near their home, according to police. 

Gadsen, police said, also robbed another BP gas station, this one located on North Central Avenue in Valley Stream, on June 6, at 9:05 p.m.

He is charged with robbery and criminal use of a firearm. Velazquez-Krupp is charged with robbery and criminal possession of a controlled substance, the police said.

Both were to be arraigned on Wednesday.