Arrest in Middle Island market robbery

Suffolk police have arrested a Patchogue man in connection with the robbery of a Middle Island market Monday night.

Francisco Cruz, 22, entered the Barnwood Market, at 180 Middle Country Rd., around 5:15 p.m. with his face obscured and was carrying what witnesses say appeared to be a gun concealed in his pocket, police said. Police officials said Cruz stole money from the cash register and fled in a 2004 brown Dodge Stratus.

Police said Sixth Precinct Officer James Carley saw a car that matched that description while searching for the suspect. As Carley approached the vehicle, the man got out and fled on foot, police said.

Detectives said that as they were impounding the vehicle, Cruz approached them, and they were able to identify him as the suspect in the robbery.

They arrested Cruz, of 163 Ohls St., and charged him with first-degree robbery. Cruz is scheduled be arraigned Tuesday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Detectives have asked anyone with information about the robbery to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.