The Second Squad reports the arrest of two individuals for a Robbery that occurred on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 2:48 pm in Hicksville.

According to detectives, officers responded to a robbery in progress at Evolve Smoke Shop located at 612 S Oyster Bay Road. Upon arrival, officers were informed by a male employee, 26, that Cristian Zuluaga, 20, of 36 Lenore Avenue, Hicksville, selected merchandise from the store shelves and proceeded to exit the store.   When the male employee approached Zuluaga, he was punched numerous times in the head and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Margarita Bournias, 18, of 202 Southwood Circle, Syosset, entered the store and became involved in the altercation. Bournias pushed the victim and threw a coffee mug, striking him in the head.   Zuluaga and Bournias then fled the store without rendering payment for the items but returned a short while later and officers were able to place them both into police custody without further incident.  The victim suffered pain to his head and minor abrasions to his right thumb and ring finger.   He was evaluated at the scene and refused further medical treatment.

Defendant Cristian Zuluaga is charged with two (2) counts of Robbery 2^nd Degree, Assault 2^nd Degree and Petit Larceny.  Defendant Margarita Bournias is charged with two (2) counts of Robbery 2^nd Degree, Assault 2^nd Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5^th Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4^th Degree.   Both defendants will be arraigned on May 25, 2024 at First District Court, 99 Main Street Hempstead.

Details by:  Det. Coupe / 2^nd Squad                                      05/24/24/2330/8834