North Woodmere couple charged in North Merrick robbery

A man and woman from North Woodmere allegedly robbed a North Merrick BP gas station at gunpoint at 7:10 p.m. on July 5.

Jerald Gadsden, 31, and Heleena Velazquez-Krupp, 38, both of Hewlett Drive, allegedly entered the station on Merrick Avenue and Gadsden approached the employee, a 62-year-old man, pulled out a gun and demanded money, police said.

The man, who police said feared for his life, opened the register and handed Gadsden an unspecified amount of money. Both he and Velazquez-Krupp left on foot before the police responded.

The subsequent investigation found the couple on Hewlett Drive in North Woodmere driving in a 2011 Honda Pilot. They were then arrested. Police discovered that Gadsden allegedly robbed the BP station on North Central Avenue in Valley Stream on June 6.

Gadsden is charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery and two counts second-degree criminal use of a firearm. Velazquez-Krupp is charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  

Both were arraigned on July 6. Gadsden he was due back in court on July 8. The Legal Aid Society of Nassau County is representing him. There was no information Velazquez-Krupp, but it is likely she will be given a summons.