NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The 45-year-old man who attempted to rob a Brooklyn Dollar Tree a second time earlier this week and was shot by police when he fired at them is facing a litany of charges, the NYPD said Thursday.
Clarence Little, 45, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon for a loaded firearm, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon for a firearm and three counts of resisting arrest.
Sources told The New York Post that the defendant, who lives close to the Dollar Tree location, has had more than 40 arrests, including 12 felonies and 28 misdemeanors.
At a press conference late Tuesday, Chief of Department Kenneth Corey said that two officers responded at around 4:47 p.m. to a report of a suspect who was wanted for a past crime inside of the store at 2120 Rockaway Parkway.
A preliminary investigation revealed that store employees allegedly recognized Little from a past larceny and called 911.
Prior to the NYPD response, Little allegedly approached the store clerk and attempted to purchase an item when the store clerk opened the cash register. He allegedly pulled out a gun, pointed it at the store clerk, and removed an undetermined amount of money before attempting to flee.
When the officers arrived, Corey said they encountered the suspect inside the store vestibule and he began to fight with them. During the struggle, the man pulled out a firearm and fired at the officers.
The officers returned fire, striking him in the neck.
Corey said the officers then immediately requested an ambulance and began to render first aid. EMS transported him to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center in critical, but stable condition.
The two officers were not injured during the shooting, but were taken to an area hospital as part of protocol. One officer is a 16-year-veteran and the other is a 6-year veteran.
Corey said the officers' body camera footage is actively being reviewed.
Little allegedly robbed the same Dollar Tree store at around 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Corey said no force was used during that robbery.
The investigation remains active and ongoing at time.
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