Three Arrested in Lake Grove EPIC Outfitters Robbery; Children Present, Employee Hurt

Three West Babylon residents were arrested following an alleged theft and assault at EPIC Outfitters in the Smith Haven Mall, a store confrontation that left a 17-year-old employee struck and mall shoppers reminded of safety risks. The incident began at 6:48 p.m. on January 13 when three adults entered the store, removed assorted clothing and left without paying, according to Suffolk County Police.

As the suspects were exiting, the teenage employee confronted them and was struck multiple times in the face. Emergency personnel treated the employee at the scene, who refused further medical attention. The suspects then fled the mall in a vehicle.

Fourth Squad detectives pursued the case and on January 14 First Precinct Patrol officers stopped a 2015 Chrysler on Oregon Road in West Babylon. Nyrell Hernandez, 26, and Sheyanna Bussi, 23, were taken into custody. The two small children who had been in the store during the incident were in the vehicle at the time of the stop and were released into the custody of family members. Hernandez and Bussi were arraigned on January 15 at First District Court in Central Islip.

The third suspect, identified as 21-year-old Kyndrell Adams, was arrested at First District Court in Central Islip on January 20. Adams is being held at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on January 21. All three, Hernandez, Bussi and Adams, each listed as living at 7 Gordon Ave., West Babylon, face charges of Robbery 2nd Degree, a class C felony, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, misdemeanors.

For shoppers and local retailers, the episode underscores practical concerns about security and the vulnerability of young employees. Retail theft and on-premise confrontations can elevate operating costs for stores through higher insurance premiums, additional loss-prevention staffing and potential legal expenses. Smith Haven Mall remains a regional retail hub for Lake Grove and nearby communities, so incidents there have outsized effects on foot traffic and local confidence in mall safety.

Police said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854-8452. A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case will be watched locally not just for its legal outcome but for how mall management and area retailers respond. Expect to see stepped-up loss prevention measures and a renewed focus on employee training and shopper awareness as businesses aim to limit disruptions and reassure customers.