Nesconset, Lake Ronkonkoma stations robbed by man, cops say

A Farmingville man was arrested Thursday evening, charged with robbing two Suffolk County gas stations in February.

Suffolk police said Michael Riggs, 30, of Morris Avenue, was arrested at his home at about 6:20 p.m. He was charged with two counts of third-degree robbery and is scheduled for arraignment Friday in First District Court in Central Islip.

Police said Riggs robbed the Exxon gas station on Terry Road in Nesconset at about 7 p.m. Feb. 23, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash. Three days later, police said, Riggs robbed a Tower Gas station on Smithtown Road in Lake Ronkonkoma at about 3:40 p.m. He also stole an undisclosed amount of cash.

It was not immediately clear what evidence police believe connects Riggs to both robberies.

Police said their investigation of Riggs is continuing and ask anyone with information about the two robberies — or any other incidents — to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-8477. All calls will remain confidential.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”