Cops probing possible link between gas station robberies

Police are trying to determine if two gas station robberies in western Suffolk Monday night were the work of the same suspect.

The USA Gas station at 188 North Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst was robbed at 7:35 p.m., Suffolk County police said. About four hours later, police said, an Exxon station at 570 Sunrise Hwy. in West Islip was also robbed.

It was not immediately clear if a weapon was used in either case. Police said cash was stolen in each incident, but did not provide additional details other than to say detectives are trying to determine if the crimes are connected.

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.”