Valley Stream Man Charged in 7-11 Robbery

Suspect pleaded not guilty to robbery and criminal mischief charges after incident at Franklin Square store.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 20-year-old Valley Stream man has been arrested and charged with third-degree robbery and fourth-degree criminal mischief in connection with a January incident at a 7-11 store in Franklin Square, New York. Police say the suspect, Benjamin Mendoza-Colato, took three cans of White Claw hard seltzer from the store's refrigerator, and a fight broke out when an employee tried to stop him, spilling into the parking lot.

Why it matters

Retail theft and violence against store employees are ongoing concerns for businesses and communities. This case highlights the need for security measures, de-escalation training, and potential policy changes to address these types of incidents.

The details

According to police, Mendoza-Colato entered the Franklin Square 7-11, took three cans of White Claw from the refrigerator, and put them in his pockets. When an employee told him she was calling 911, he took the phone from her hand and a fight broke out, spilling into the parking lot with another male employee trying to assist his coworker. Mendoza-Colato then fled the scene on foot.

  • The incident occurred on January 21, 2026.
  • Mendoza-Colato was arrested and charged on February 17, 2026.
  • He is scheduled to appear in court on February 23, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Mendoza-Colato

A 20-year-old man from Valley Stream, New York, who has been charged with third-degree robbery and fourth-degree criminal mischief in connection with the 7-11 incident.

7-11 Employee

An employee at the Franklin Square 7-11 store who tried to stop Mendoza-Colato from leaving with the stolen items, leading to a physical altercation.

Male 7-11 Employee

Another employee at the Franklin Square 7-11 store who tried to assist his coworker during the physical altercation with Mendoza-Colato.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Mendoza-Colato is scheduled to appear before Judge Anthony Paradiso on February 23, 2026, where the judge will decide on the case.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges businesses face in preventing retail theft and protecting their employees from violence. It underscores the need for improved security measures, de-escalation training, and potential policy changes to address these types of crimes in the community.