Robbery: Forced to make withdrawals
A 29-year-old man visiting from Portugal was walking on Ninth Ave., near W. 15th St., at around 4:30am on Wed., July 24 — when he was approached by two men, who engaged him in conversation. The seemingly friendly interaction didn’t last long, though. By pushing and grabbing him, the men soon intimidated the victim into making a withdrawal at an ATM located on W. 14th & Hudson St. The group proceeded to an ATM at W. 14th St. & Eighth Ave., where the victim was forced to hand over more cash. In total, the pair made off with $500. Based on the victim’s report to police, uniformed officers of the 10th Precinct canvassed the nearby area and arrested the perps, ages 24 and 29.
Criminal Possession: Bench warmer had a warrant
Taking up space while living on borrowed time caught up with a 53-year-old man — who was arrested after officers observed him outstretched across a park bench inside the Chelsea Park playground (303 Ninth Ave., btw 27th & 28th Sts.). Upon investigation, the man (who initially called attention to himself because he was not allowing others to use the bench) was found to be in possession of a controlled substance — and also had an active warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody at around 11:40am on Tues., July 23.
Robbery: Brandished guns, demanded goods
While walking eastbound on 41st St. at around 1:30am on Wed. July 24, two women (both 19 years of age) were approached by two male juveniles (ages 14 & 17). Both of the young men had bandanas covering their faces, and both brandished a firearm. “Give me your shit,” one of them demanded — while the other proceeded to forcibly remove the purses of each victim. The perps then fled westbound on 41st St., and then southbound to 11th Ave. Police, called to the scene, conducted a canvass of the area. They soon found the pair, along with a 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old male. Both of the guns used in the robbery were in the 14-year-old’s possession, and every member of the group had some of the victim’s missing items. The group of four was arrested, while the two women were reunited with their cell phones, a Coach wallet, an iPad, an iPod touch, cash, various credit cards and their purses.
Lost Property: Cleanliness next to forgetfulness
Maybe she was transfixed by the way American water swirls in the opposite direction. A visitor from Sydney, Australia, was in the ladies room of Avenue nightclub (116 10th Ave., btw. 17th & 18th Sts.) at around 2am on Tues., July 16. Just before washing her hands, she placed her cell phone (a Samsung Galaxy valued at $700) on the counter — then left the room without her pricey phone. When she returned, the item was gone.
Robbery: Double phone grab, single recovery
Walking westbound on 21st St. at around 2:15am on Mon., July 22, two 21-year-old women were approached by a pair of men, who demanded they hand over their cell phones. One of the men punched the first victim and took her phone — while his partner pulled the hair of the second victim, causing her to drop her phone. He grabbed it, and the perps fled — leading to the arrest, a short time later, of perp #1 (a 19-year-old). He was in possession of a Verizon Galaxy phone, valued by the victim at $350. The second perp, along with the second stolen phone, was not found.
—Scott Stiffler
