Suffolk County Police arrested a man and two women at the former Dowling College campus in Shirley after a daylight robbery attempt. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at approximately 3 p.m. when a security guard at the commercial property located at 1300 William Floyd Parkway noticed an open gate.
Upon closer inspection, the guard found Michele Brill sitting in a Nissan sedan and then saw Christopher Alaia and Kristle Doughty emerging from a previously secure building. Acting swiftly, the guard called 911 and stayed with Brill while Alaia and Doughty attempted to flee.
Suffolk Police officers arrived at the scene and quickly apprehended Alaia and Doughty. Upon further investigation, burglar tools were found inside the building.
Seventh Squad detectives charged Christopher Alaia, 40, of Ronkonkoma; Kristle Doughty, 39, of Bohemia; and Michele Brill, 44, of Selden with one count each of burglary in the third degree. All three are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on June 27.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward, as these arrests highlight the importance of community vigilance in preventing crime.
A criminal charge is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.