On July 16, 2025, the New York State Police, in coordination with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Werkneh H. Hayes, 19, of Albany, NY, on charges of Robbery in the third degree and Grand Larceny in the fourth degree.
The incident unfolded on the night of July 15, 2025, when troopers responded at approximately 10:58 p.m. to a reported robbery at a gas station located on Round Lake Road in Malta, NY. According to details released by law enforcement, Hayes allegedly entered the store and demanded money from the cashier while issuing threats of harm. Although no weapon was displayed during the encounter, the cashier complied, handing over cash before Hayes fled the scene in a vehicle described by investigators.
In response to the tip and description, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect’s vehicle and stopped it along Middle Line Road in Ballston, NY. Officers confirmed that Werkneh H. Hayes was the sole occupant, and the recovered funds were found in the vehicle. Hayes was then transported to State Police processing in Saratoga.
Following his processing, Hayes was arraigned in Malta Town Court and released on his own recognizance. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the Mechanicville Police Department for another pending but unrelated crime. Law enforcement officials continue to monitor related activities as part of their ongoing investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to come forward.
