Cops: DNA leads to arrest in Sept. robbery

A Hempstead man who shot at a robbery victim was arrested on multiple charges Tuesday when Nassau County police matched DNA evidence from the crime scene and a previous arrest to the suspect, Third Squad detectives said.

Jason Lovell, 25, of 3 Sycamore Ave., was arrested at his home on charges of first-degree robbery, criminal use of a firearm, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon and assault.

Lovell left DNA evidence at the scene of a Sept. 6 robbery and shooting in Hempstead, police said.

A police spokeswoman said that the evidence was a match for Lovell's DNA, which was collected by police during a previous arrest. She declined to identify the type of DNA samples collected.

Lovell is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Detectives said that at about 4 a.m. Sept. 6 Lovell attempted to rob man, 31, who was standing in front of 306 Main St.

After Lovell displayed a handgun and demanded money, police said the victim, in fear for his life, "punched the subject in the face and ran from the scene."

Police said Lovell chased the victim, took his money and cellphone and then fired one round into the ground, "causing the bullet and pebbles to ricochet onto the victim. The defendant then fled the scene on foot."

The victim refused medical attention at the scene, police said.