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Burglar Targeting Westchester Food Markets Faces Series Of Charges

A 46-year-old man who allegedly manipulated metal roll-down security gates to break into Westchester food marts and steal thousands of dollars is facing a host of criminal charges.

Kareem Johnakin,

Kareem Johnakin,

Photo Credit: Westchester County District Attorney's Office

Kareem Johnakin, of Bethlam, Pennsylvania, was arraigned in Westchester County Court following a multi-count indictment for burglarizing at least five businesses in Yonkers and New Rochelle last year.

According to Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr., Johnakin and his co-conspirator, Patrick Willis, broke into food markets and a restaurant during the earliest hours of the morning, stealing money before fleeing the scene.

In four of the five break-ins, the two men pushed up the metal roll-down gates, and slid underneath them. When they allegedly broke into the restaurant, they smashed a glass door.

During their three-month run last year, the two men broke into:

  • Yonkers Farm Market on Yonkers Avenue on May 12, when they took $4,700;
  • Rainbow Fish Market on Main Street in New Rochelle on July 2, when they took #3,300;
  • Green Dragon Restaurant on North Avenue in New Rochelle on July 6, when they took less than $1,000, and;
  • Saw Mill Market on Saw Mill River Road in Yonkers on July 6, when they took $13,000.

The two also broke into a fifth store on Aug. 3, 2017, but were scared off by an alarm before they could take any money.

Johnakin has been charged with five counts of burglary, four counts of criminal mischief, three counts of grand larceny and one count of petit larceny. 

He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear back in court on Oct. 9.

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