Richard Cummins, 48, of Elm Park, was arraigned in state Supreme Court, St. George, on charges including first-degree robbery and criminal possession of a loaded firearm in connection with the April 14 incident. His attorney, Eliza Pacheco, requested home detention or lower bail, highlighting Cummins’ family situation, including his deceased wife and seven children, three of whom are under 18.
However, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stupp argued against bail reduction, stating that Cummins is a danger to the public. According to Stupp, Cummins allegedly used his BMW X3 to force a 2021 Ford Mustang with two occupants off the road and brandished a loaded weapon, ordering them to exit the vehicle. When the Mustang driver attempted to retreat, a city bus blocked their path, and Cummins allegedly continued his pursuit on foot.
Cummins, who claims to have been working security, was apprehended by law enforcement at the scene after allegedly pointing a gun at a detective. During his arrest, police found him carrying a gun holster and a security shield. Despite no prior convictions in New York, Cummins has failed to appear in court on separate matters and has out-of-state contacts in New Jersey.
Considering the seriousness of the charges and Cummins’ potential sentence of up to 25 years, the court deemed his bail appropriate at the previous amount. The case has been adjourned to May 29.
