Man shot in Elmont after robbing Liberty Gas

A robbery and shooting occurred at 7:05 a.m. on Oct. 5, at the Liberty Gas Station, on Hempstead Turnpike and Stone Street in Elmont.

According to detectives, a 26-year-old black man entered the store, displaying a handgun. The subject then went behind the counter, and removed cash from the cash register. A store clerk and two customers were in the store at the time, police said.

An off-duty Nassau County police officer arrived at the gas station to fill his car with gas, and observed the robbery in progress. As the subject attempted to flee the scene, the officer ordered him to stop. The subject turned and pointed his weapon at the officer, forcing the officer to discharge his weapon. The subject then fled on foot.

According to police, a perimeter was established around the gas station, and after a search was conducted by the police department, the subject was located inside of a parked vehicle, with a gunshot wound.

The subject was transported to a local hospital, and was admitted with non-life-threatening injuries. A simulated handgun and cash proceeds were recovered. No other injuries were reported.

Police said on Oct. 6 that the suspect was identified as Steven B. Thomas, 24, of Jamaica, Queens. He has been charged with second-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

According to police, Thomas was still hospitalized on Oct. 6, and will be arraigned as soon as medically practical. A photo of Thomas was not provided by police.

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