Mabbettsville gas robbers get away with $250

MILLBROOK — Two or more people were involved in a robbery that took place on Wednesday, July 29, at approximately 2 a.m. 

Security camera footage shows a man walking out of the Gulf Express Mart and gas station at 3820 Route 44 in Mabbettsville, and a getaway car fetching him before they drove away from the scene. That security footage was turned over to the New York State Police  (NYSP) Troop K Barracks in Millbrook; it is being used to help identify the suspects and the getaway vehicle.

A passing motorist alerted the police when the alarm went off. The thief reportedly used a large rock to break the window to gain entrance to the gas station, where he made off with about $250 cash, plus an estimated  12 to 20 packs of cigarettes.

The robbery came to light when Amer Ahmed, whose family owns the business, posted the news on a Millbrook website, hoping to alert other local business owners of criminal activity in the area. 

“Please be careful when locking up, especially if you close later,” wrote Ahmed.

He also noted that the bandits took the entire cash register. 

“We were closed, so thankfully no one was hurt,” stated a grateful Ahmed.

Many locals expressed unease and displeasure upon hearing of the robbery, noting that it is a sign of the difficult financial times, made worse due to the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic and skyrocketing unemployment. Though one resident said skeptically of that excuse, “You don’t feed cigarettes to your kids!”

The Gulf gas station, which is across Route 44 from the Market at Mabbettsville, is a popular place to buy gas, grab a soda, purchase a newspaper or pick up snacks and sandwiches. The business is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. No one at the premises reported any strange activity or odd behavior from customers before the robbery, but there is sparse traffic nearby and the area is very isolated at night.

NYSP Public Information Officer Aaron J. Hicks confirmed that the robbery is under investigation, but said at this time Troop K has nothing specific to share, just noting the matter is an ongoing police investigation. 

Anyone with any information pertaining to this crime is asked to report it to NYSP Troop K immediately at 845-677-7300.