A spree of gunpoint robberies rocked the region last December, leaving a trail of fear and financial loss for several gas stations and convenience stores. Josue Bedell, Jr., 22, of Mastic, and Christian Anderson, 24, of Shirley, stand accused of orchestrating these brazen acts, according to an announcement made today by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.
The night of terror began on December 2, 2023, with Bedell and Anderson allegedly acquiring a firearm, donning inconspicuous attire, and procuring a stolen Dodge Charger, all part of their plan to strike multiple locations between Ronkonkoma and Massapequa.
The first robbery unfolded at 1:35 a.m. on December 3, 2023, at a Bolla Market in Ronkonkoma. Bedell, armed and masked, confronted the clerk, coercing them to hand over around $1,000 before fleeing in the stolen vehicle. This marked the beginning of a series of calculated strikes that spanned several towns.
Twenty minutes later, the duo targeted a BP Gas Station in Hauppauge, making off with roughly $1,200 after a similar gunpoint demand. The night’s escalation saw them allegedly pick up Anderson, proceed to a 7-Eleven in Amityville, where Bedell vaulted the counter, brandishing the weapon, and snatched about $800.
Their spree culminated at a Bolla Market in Massapequa, where Bedell repeated his modus operandi, adding another $600 to their loot. However, their escape was short-lived. Nassau County Police pursued the Dodge Charger until it careened into a tree in Wantagh, leading to the recovery of incriminating evidence such as Bedell’s cellphone, clothing worn during the crimes, and a portion of the stolen cash.
The legal fallout swiftly followed. Bedell and Anderson faced an array of charges, including multiple counts of armed robbery and conspiracy. On May 8, 2024, Bedell appeared before Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr., who set bail at $2 million cash, $4 million bond, or $20 million partially secured bond. Anderson’s arraignment the next day resulted in a bail of $1.5 million cash, $3 million bond, or $15 million partially secured bond.
The case, spearheaded by Assistant District Attorney Martha Duffy, underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in curbing violent crime. Detective Sean McQuaid of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Squad and Detective Brian Parpan of the Nassau County Police Department’s Robbery Squad played pivotal roles in the investigation, alongside the District Attorney’s Gang Task Force.
