Two accused of shoving Loss Prevention after Target shoplifting in Valley Stream

Nassau County Police Fifth Squad detectives identified the two suspects as Jahkeli Mason, 19, of Springfield Gardens, and Darren Gordon, 36, of St. Albans, after an alleged shoplifting and assault outside the Target at 500 W. Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream at approximately 3:26 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026. Detectives say the men selected assorted merchandise, loaded items into a shopping cart, passed all points of purchase and exited the store without paying.

Loss Prevention officers confronted the men outside the store, and during that confrontation the defendants allegedly threatened and shoved an employee before fleeing the scene. A short time later, police located the suspects nearby; following a brief foot pursuit both were taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.

Both Mason and Gordon were charged with Robbery in the Second Degree and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, charges Nassau County detectives listed after the arrests. The pair were initially held for arraignment and were scheduled to appear in court the next day.

Court records show the men were arraigned on Feb. 28 in the First District Court in Hempstead, where both pleaded not guilty to the robbery and grand larceny counts and were released on non-monetary conditions. The court docket lists a return date of March 17 for further proceedings.

The incident and subsequent arrests were handled by Nassau County Police Fifth Squad detectives, who say the suspects were located a short distance from the Target and apprehended after the brief foot pursuit. Authorities did not report any injuries to Loss Prevention staff or other employees, and store operations at the 500 W. Sunrise Highway location were not listed as affected in the immediate aftermath.

The case file now proceeds through the First District Court schedule with Mason and Gordon due back March 17. Detectives have charged both men with the same robbery and larceny counts as the matter moves toward pretrial dates.