3 arrested in string of Suffolk County cell phone store smash-and-grab robberies

CENTRAL ISLIP (WABC) -- Three men are under arrest on Long Island, accused of targeting cell phone stores in Suffolk County.

Detectives say the crime wave started in late January, with the final break-in coming early Sunday morning at a Verizon Store on Montauk Highway.

An officer working surveillance observed three men enter the store by smashing the front window with a sledge hammer at approximately 3:15 a.m. Once inside, the men stole electronic devices.

As they exited the store, the three suspects noticed the detective and fled on foot.

Canine Officer John Mallia and his dog located two of the suspects in a back yard on Sequams Lane in West Islip. Numerous officers assisted and arrested Alexander Cintron and David Potter.

Following an investigation, Lourriston Potter, David Potter's brother, was arrested on February 23.

Cintron, 31, of Bohemia, was charged with four counts of third-degree burglary, while David Potter, 37, of Bohemia was charged with five counts of third-degree burlgary and resisting arrest. Lourriston Potter, 35, of Brentwood, was charged with three counts third-degree burglary.

Police say the gang also hit stores in Hauppauge, Commack and Sayville.