NO ANGEL: Long Island Man Suspected in Six County Armed Robbery Spree: Westchester, Putnam, Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Manhattan

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 15, 2023) — A 28-year-old man, paroled from New York State prison in 2019, is being investigated as a suspect in numerous armed robberies — more than twenty — in Queens County, New York County, Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.

Jose Nieves is currently held in the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond after he was arrested by Westchester County Police following a pursuit in Harrison, NY.

“More charges are likely to come from a number of other jurisdictions around the metropolitan area,” said Westchester County Police Department Spokesperson Kieran O’Leary.

Nieves is a suspect in over 20 robberies.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The full extent of the incidents and arrests involving Juan Nieves are not public at this time because detectives in the six counties are lined up waiting to file charges against him. A partial history, based on police statements and courts records, will be updated here as we gather more information.

Putnam County Sheriff’s Officials narrative: On March 1, 2023, at approximately 5:15 am, Deputies were dispatched to the Gulf gas station in Southeast, NYBat 1565 Route 22 for a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, Deputies learned that the suspect had fled the scene, and they began an investigation along with members of the Sheriff’s BCI Division. It was determined that the suspect entered the store and pointed what was believed to be a firearm at the clerk’s head, and demanded money from the register. The suspect then fled the store with over $6,000 in cash and approximately $350 worth of cigarette cartons. Based on information from the store clerk and a very observant customer, who provided photos of the suspect vehicle, an alert was put out to area police agencies.

Nieves was charged by PCS’s Office with one count of Robbery – 2, one count of Grand Larceny – 3, and one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (the suspect Nieves was operating was stolen from New York City).

Westchester County Police narrative: About 5:20 a.m. Wednesday, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department advised over the hotline that an armed robbery of a gas station/convenience store had just occurred in the town of Southeast. The suspect’s vehicle was described as a silver or light-colored Toyota Corolla. At approximately 6:10 am, a Westchester County Police Officer observed the suspect vehicle on I-287 near I-684 in Harrison, NY and began a pursuit. At that time, the car drove the wrong way on Westchester Avenue, eventually crashing near the Hutchinson River Parkway entrance. At that time, the suspect fought with Westchester County Police Officers before being taken into custody. About 6 a.m., the North Castle Police Department reported that a similar robbery just occurred in their community. A white Corolla with Alabama plates had fled the scene.

A WCPD officer heard the call and went towards I-684, knowing it was a potential avenue of flight for the robbery suspect. He spotted the Toyota coming southbound near the Hutchinson River Parkway split.

The officer attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle fled at high speed on to Westchester Avenue and westbound on I-287. The driver made a U-turn on the highway, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of travel. The pursuit was terminated to safeguard the motoring public.

Officers from multiple departments in the area, including North Castle, Harrison and White Plains, were in regular communication with the Real-Time Crime Center and WCPD Patrol in the effort to locate the Corolla. It was spotted in the eastbound lanes of Westchester Avenue. Once again, a WCPD officer had anticipated where the vehicle was headed and was waiting for the driver.

A WCPD officer followed the Corolla when it entered the entrance ramp to the southbound Hutchinson River Parkway. Nieves lost control of the vehicle, spun out and left the roadway. As another WCPD officer was taking Nieves into custody, Nieves resisted arrest.

A white van pulled over. A good samaritan assisted the WCPD officer in taking the suspect to the ground. Other officers arrived, and the suspect was subdued. The man in the van left the scene. WCPD is hoping to contact the man to recognize him for his assistance.

The suspect and the Toyota were hauled back to headquarters. The Corolla was found to have been stolen February 19 in New York, and its trunk was filled with items that were the apparent proceeds of robberies.

WCPD charged Juan Nieves with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property – 4, a felony; Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Governmental Administration – 2. He was then turned over to Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Town of North Castle Police narrative: It is believed that Juan Nieves committed a similar robbery after the incident in Southeast, NY. Details pending. He has not yet been charged.

Rye Police narrative: On February 11, 2023. At approximately 4:45 am. Officers responded to the Courtyard Marriott located at 631 Midland Avenue in the Rye, NY on a report of a robbery in the past. The Front Desk Investigators said after speaking with the Front Desk Agent, she stated Juan Nieves had his hand in his pocket, causing her to believe he had a gun. Nieves fed the scene after stealing approximately 250 dollars. After a three-week investigation, Nieves was identified and an arrest warrant was filed. Nieves was transported from Putnam County Correctional Facility to Rye Police Headquarters for processing. He was arraigned at the Rye City Court on March 14, 2023, and charged with Robbery – 3, a class D felony. Nieves was transported back to Putnam County Correctional Facility, where he is being held on unrelated charges.

New Rochelle Police narrative: On February 22, 2023 at about 3 AM, a man wearing a red hat, face mask, and army fatigues, displayed a metal object, and demanded money at the Sunoco station at 71 Huguenot Street. Juan Nieves was arrested on March 8, 2023. Nieves was charged with Robbery – 2 (physical injury/ displaying a Firearm). He appeared in New Rochelle City Court on March 2, 2023. He is due back in New Rochelle on March 23, 2023.

Queens Criminal Court: Juan Nieves was arrested by New York City Police on August 8, 2022, for an incident on August 8, 2022. He was charged with Criminal Mischief – 2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon – 4 (intent to use).

Queens Criminal Court:Juan Nieves was arrested by New York City Police on October 24, 2022, for an incident on October 4, 2022. He was charged with Burglary – 3 and Robbery – 3.

Queens Criminal Court:Juan Nieves was arrested by New York City Police on October 24, 2022, for an incident on August 31, 2022. He was charged with Grand Larceny – 4 (value of property over $1,000), Burglary – 3 and Petit Larceny.

New York Criminal Court: Juan Nieves was arrested by New York City Police on September 6, 2021, for an incident on September 6, 2021. He was charged with Robbery – 1 (Use of a Dangerous Instrument Weapon/Drug, Weapon other than Gun/Handgun), Attempted Robbery – 1 (use of a Dangerous Instrument), Robbery – 3

Long Island Man Charged With Southeast Armed Robbery