Cops: Rocky Point man arrested for role in 19 burglaries

A Rocky Point man was arrested in connection with a series of burglaries at gas stations from Wading River to Mattituck, according to Suffolk County police.

Richard Ambrose, 41, was arrested along with Travis James, 37, of Riverhead for their roles in a string of burglaries throughout the county, police said. The duo were arrested early Monday morning after three burglaries at gas stations in Commack, Patchogue and Port Jeff Station that were committed between 1:23 a.m. and 3 a.m., police said. They were charged with third-degree burglary and Mr. Ambrose was then connected to multiple other burglaries that all occurred since Aug. 8.

Mr. Ambrose faces additional third-degree burglary charges from the Riverhead and Southold Police Departments for the following burglaries:

• Aug. 12 at the Valero gas station in Wading River.

• Aug. 25 at the Speedway gas station in Mattituck.

• Aug. 25 at the Empire gas station in Laurel.

The Quogue Police Department also charged him for his role in an Aug. 12 burglary at the Speedway gas station in Quogue.

He was charged with attempted third degree burglary for an incident Aug. 12 at the American gas station in Jamesport.

Suffolk County police also charged him for burglaries at 11 other establishments throughout the county.

Both suspects were to be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip Tuesday, police said.

Photo caption: Richard Ambrose. (Credit: Suffolk County police)