Valley Stream jeweler survives robbery shootout

December 10, 2009
By SOPHIA CHANG

Andrew Papandrew was moved by the holiday spirit when he saw a young couple knocking on the door of his Valley Stream jewelry store after closing time Wednesday.

The two said they wanted to look at engagement rings, and Papandrew relented.

"It's Christmas," said Papandrew, 57, owner of Papandrew Jewelers in Sunrise Plaza near the Valley Stream train station.

But soon after the couple entered the locked store, they were joined by a third man who jumped over the counter and pulled a handgun on Papandrew, according to police.

In response, Papandrew went for his licensed handgun behind the counter and a gunfight ensued, police said.

Papandrew said he fired seven shots, and a bullet grazed the female robber on her shoulder, according to police. Papandrew was shot once in the torso by the gunman, he said.

The gunman fled without any jewelry, and police soon arrested the couple and a lookout stationed outside the store, officials said. As of Thursday night, the gunman, about 5 feet 11 inches and in his late 20s, hadn't been caught.

Hours after the robbery, Papandrew, who lives in Nassau County, was back at the boarded-up store, fielding calls and visits from well-wishers.

"I feel a little lucky, obviously," he said, and pointed out where the .40-caliber bullet passed through the right side of his torso. He was treated for his injury at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside and released Wednesday night.

This is the first jewelry store robbery in Nassau this year, said Det. Sgt. John Giambrone.

Police said Edward Hamilton, 24, of Osborn Street, Brooklyn, was the lookout in the 7:11 p.m. robbery, and he was arrested at his home.

The suspects who police said acted as the couple - Bryan Kenner, 28, of 147th Street, South Ozone Park, who was detained by the victim inside the store, and Gloria Cortes, 20, of Hill Street, Brooklyn - were in police custody shortly after the attempted robbery.

All three were arraigned on charges of first-degree attempted robbery, two counts of second-degree attempted robbery, second-degree criminal use of a firearm and second-degree assault.They were held on bail of $1 million cash or $2 million bond.

Anyone with information is asked to call 800-244-TIPS. Callers will remain anonymous.

With Zachary R. Dowdy

By By SOPHIA CHANG
Posted Friday, December 11, 2009

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