Attempted robbery at Mobil gas station in Riverhead, cops say

The suspect pointed a handgun at a gas station attendant in Riverhead late Tuesday, demanded cash, but fled empty- handed after “a brief confrontation,” police said.

Now, Riverhead Town police said detectives are searching for the would-be armed robber — and are asking anyone with information to call them at 631-727-4500, extension 327.

The robbery occurred at the Mobil gas station on Old Country Road just before 10:45 p.m., police said.

Police said the employee told them the suspect entered the station, pointed the gun at him — and demanded money.

Instead, the employee resisted and a confrontation ensued, causing the robber to flee without taking anything.

Police said the suspect was last seen running toward Pulaski Street. A search of the area failed to locate him.

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.”