On Tuesday, December 22, lunchtime shopping was disrupted at Roosevelt Field Mall by the sound of a stray gunshot. Shoppers scattered and rushed out of the mall with the concern of further violence.
According to Nassau County Public Information Office, a male subject entered the Rolex section of the Tourneau Jewelry Store located inside the Roosevelt Field Mall at 630 Old Country Road. The suspect walked to the rear of the store to look at watches. While in the rear of the store he brandished a handgun demanding the watches from the clerk. A store security guard nearby grabbed the subject and a struggle ensued. As they reached the threshold of the store entrance, a single round was discharged from the subject’s weapon striking a mall employee standing a short distance away in the back of his shoulder. The struggle continued to an adjacent store where multiple security guards were able to detain the subject until police arrived.
Nassau County Police and County Executive Ed Mangano scheduled a press briefing at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon; however, due to the severe traffic outside the mall, media had difficulty or were unable to get to the location.
Oliver Lee, 21, of 6223 Douglaston Parkway, Little Neck was placed under arrest at the scene. The male shot was 67 years of age. He was transported to an area hospital and is listed in serious but stable condition.
Lee is charged with Robbery 1st degree, Assault 1st degree, Criminal Use of a Firearm 1st degree and two counts of Assault 2nd degree. He will be arraigned on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at First District Court in Hempstead.
