Police: Man who stole from Roosevelt Field store later found with a gun

Authorities say Christian Chavez, 20, was caught stealing a pair of shorts. Following an investigation, police say they found a gun in his possession.

Police say a Hempstead man is facing charges for a theft Thursday afternoon from the Nordstrom store in Roosevelt Field.

Authorities say Christian Chavez, 20, was caught stealing a pair of shorts. Following an investigation, police say they found a gun in his possession.

"The gun was not on his person, it was inside the bag," says Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. "Again, we don't know the reasons why he was carrying that gun, but we now have that gun. He's under arrest, and nobody got hurt."

Some residents, however, say they are not going to the mall as much and are worried about recent crimes.

"I'm scared, and it doesn't seem like they are doing a thing about it," says Margaret, of Great Neck.

Others who frequent the mall say they have seen a positive response from the police.

"I think they are trying to keep security pretty good over there," says Robert Lareddola, who works across from Roosevelt Field. "The police respond very, very quickly, but we see them from our office there quite often."

As News 12 has reported, police were stepping up patrols just last weekend following a rash of crimes at Roosevelt Field mall.

Ryder says they have a full-time detail of six officers and a supervisor assigned to the mall. He says they go throughout the stores every day, but he urges shoppers to stay alert as there is always potential for crime.

Chavez appeared in court early Friday. He faces possession of a weapon and larceny charges.

A judge set his bond at $10,000 cash. He will be back in court Tuesday.