Two Queens men were arrested after police say they robbed a Target store in Valley Stream and threatened an employee before fleeing the scene.
According to Nassau County Police Fifth Squad detectives, the incident occurred on Friday, February 27, 2026 at approximately 3:26 p.m. at the Target located at 500 W. Sunrise Highway.
Police said Jahkeli Mason, 19, of Springfield Gardens, and Darren Gordon, 36, of St. Albans, entered the store and selected assorted merchandise, placing the items in a shopping cart.
Detectives said the pair then passed all points of purchase and exited the store without paying.
When loss prevention officers confronted them, police say the suspects threatened and shoved an employee before fleeing the scene.
Officers located the two men a short time later and, after a brief foot pursuit, took them into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Mason and Gordon were each charged with Robbery in the Second Degree and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree.
According to court records, both defendants were arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead and pleaded not guilty. The cases were adjourned, and both Mason and Gordon were released with non-monetary conditions.
Police remind the public that criminal charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photo: NCPD.
