BETHPAGE, NY – The Nassau County Police Department’s Eighth Squad reports the arrest of a Uniondale man in connection with a robbery that occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, at approximately 3:25 p.m., in Bethpage.
According to detectives, a male entered ShopRite, located at 3901 Hempstead Turnpike, and attempted to steal merchandise. Police said the subject, who had previously displayed violent behavior at the same location, concealed a bottle of soda in his waistband and attempted to exit the store without paying.
Loss prevention employees confronted the subject and requested that he accompany them to the loss prevention office. At that point, the suspect allegedly lowered his shoulder and charged at the employees, initiating a physical struggle. During the altercation, the suspect sprayed an irritant substance at the employees, causing burning and itching sensations to their eyes and throat, and resulting in substantial pain.
Responding officers arrived at the scene and arrested Steve Muir, 26, of Van Buren Street, Uniondale, without further incident. At the time of his arrest, Muir was found to be in possession of a knife.
The two male victims, ages 41 and 70, were treated at the scene by a Nassau County Police medic.
Muir is charged with:
- Robbery in the Second Degree
- One count of Assault in the Second Degree
- Three counts of Assault in the Third Degree
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree
He was scheduled to be arraigned on Saturday, January 11, 2026, at First District Court, located in Hempstead. The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Robbery / Assault |
| Incident Date | January 9, 2026 |
| Incident Time | Approximately 3:25 p.m. |
| Location | ShopRite, 3901 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage |
| Arresting Unit | Nassau County Police Department – Eighth Squad |
| Defendant | Steve Muir |
| Age | 26 |
| Residence | 1099 Van Buren Street, Uniondale, NY |
| Alleged Conduct | Shoplifting followed by assault and use of irritant spray |
| Items Involved | Bottle of soda; knife; irritant spray |
| Victims | Two male store employees |
| Victim Ages | 41 and 70 |
| Victim Injuries | Burning and itching to eyes and throat |
| Medical Response | Treated at scene by Nassau County Police medic |
| Weapon Recovered | Knife |
| Top Charge | Robbery in the Second Degree |
| Additional Charges | Assault in the Second Degree; Assault in the Third Degree (3 counts); Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (2 counts) |
| Arrest Outcome | Arrested at scene |
| Arraignment Court | First District Court |
| Arraignment Location | Hempstead, NY |
| Arraignment Date | January 11, 2026 |
| Case Status | Pending further court proceedings |
