Queens man charged in auto parts theft, cops say

A Queens man was charged Monday morning in connection with the theft of parts from an automotive retailer on Jericho Turnpike in Floral Park.

Royce Potts, 46, was in Advance Auto around 8:30 a.m. when he walked out without paying for a pair of windshield wiper blades, police said.

After being confronted by a store employee in the parking lot, Potts brandished a knife and threatened to stab him, police said.

Potts then entered his vehicle and left, officers said.

An investigation led police to Bellerose later in the day, where Potts was placed under arrest, officers said.

Potts is charged with first-degree robbery and third-degree possession of a weapon. He will be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday.