Hempstead man arrested in Suffolk robbery

A Hempstead man is under arrest after he robbed a gas station in North Amityville, jumped into a car that was later spotted -- and stopped -- by Nassau County police in Bellmore, police said.

Kevin Washington, 44, of 65 Williams St., faces charges of first-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon after his arrest at about 11:45 p.m. Thursday on Centre Avenue.

Suffolk County police said Williams had walked into a Mega gas station on Broadway in North Amityville about 20 minutes earlier, displayed "a large kitchen knife" -- and demanded cash from the station attendant, who complied.

Police said Williams then fled on foot and jumped into an older model Lincoln Town Car. A broadcast bulletin describing the car was sent to Suffolk police patrol units, as well as to Nassau police. Nassau patrol officers spotted the car on Sunrise Highway and stopped it on Centre Avenue, arresting Williams. Police said the driver of the car has not been charged.

Williams was taken to the First Precinct in Suffolk, where he was held for arraignment Friday in First District Court in Central Islip.