Community Corner

Police: Babylon Man Charged in Armed Robberies at Tanning Salons

Robert Gioia Jr. is charged with three counts of first degree robbery.

A Babylon man was arrested Thursday after police say he committed armed robberies at three local tanning salons over the past week. 

Suffolk Police say Robert Gioia Jr., 29, entered Rockstar Tans, located at 288 N. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst, at 9:30 p.m. on May 21 and displayed a black handgun. Gioia pointed the gun at an employee behind the register, demanded money and fled after receiving cash, police said. 

Similar armed robberies occurred on Tuesday, at the European Image Tanning Center salon, located at 749 Sunrise Highway in West Babylon and Perfect Color Tanning Salon, located at 656 Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. 

After an investigation, First Squad detectives arrested Gioia at the First Precinct Thursday night. He is charged with three counts of first degree robbery. 

Gioia was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip Friday. 


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