Suspect linked to 2 Flagstar Bank robberies in 48 hours on Long Island arrested, police say

A Long Island man has been charged with hitting two Flagstar locations just miles apart in a 48-hour stick-up spree, Suffolk County police said.

Police say 51-year-old Brian Blackford was taken into custody early Thursday morning after officers stopped his car on Beach Avenue in Copiague at around 12:40 a.m.

According to investigators, both robberies involved the same suspect description.

The most recent robbery happened on Dec. 10 at 12:48 p.m. when a man entered the Flagstar Bank at 1501 Deer Park Avenue in North Babylon.

Police say he handed the teller a note demanding cash. The teller complied and the suspect fled on foot.

The suspect was described as a man in his mid 40s, with a thin build and bald with graying facial hair. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black jacket, and light-colored pants with black shoes.

Detectives determined the same man also robbed the Flagstar Bank at 653 Montauk Highway in West Babylon two days earlier, on Dec. 8 at 3:45 p.m.

Blackford is facing multiple charges.