Police Beat

BY KEVIN DEUTSCH

1. Step street robber

Police this week released a sketch of the man wanted in the violent Oct. 21 mugging of a woman on the 238th step street. The robber, who pistol-whipped 27-year-old Tiornagh Harmon in her face before throwing her down the staircase and stealing her purse containing more than $1,500, is thought to be between 18 and 22 years old, police said. He stands between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-7, has short-cropped hair, a medium complexion, and was last seen wearing a navy crew-neck sweater. After The Press reported on the robbery, City Councilman Oliver Koppell demanded more lighting for the darkened step street and police stepped up patrols there. The crime has also spurred concern among Manhattan College students, who often use the staircase after dark. The college has warned its students to take precautions, encouraging them to walk in groups when off campus, a college spokesman said. School security guards are also offering escorts to any students who request them. Anyone with information on the robber is asked to call 718-543-6121.

2. Jeweler robbed

A jeweler was robbed of $300,000 worth of jewelry in a well-orchestrated armed robbery Nov. 15 in the 600 block of West 246th Street, police said. The 67-year-old victim, who was returning home from a jewelry show, had just pulled into his driveway when two vehicles pulled in front of his, trapping him there. Two masked men carrying guns exited the cars and unloaded the pricey jewelry from the victim’s trunk before speeding off. Police are reviewing surveillance video. No arrests have been made.

3. Arson investigation

Police are investigating a possible arson at an apartment in the 80 block of Van Cortlandt Park South on Nov. 12. A 48-year-old woman and her boyfriend got into an altercation at her apartment before he demanded money and fled. At some point in the argument, she accidentally locked herself out of her home. A responding officer from the 50th Precinct smelled smoke coming from inside and called firefighters, who busted in and extinguished the flames in a rear bedroom. No arrests have been made.

4. Beaten and robbed

Police arrested two men accused of beating a man and stealing his cell phone and keys on Nov. 12. The 24-year-old victim was walking home in the 3220 block of Johnson Avenue Nov. 12 about 9 a.m. when the accused robbers, ages 16 and 20, set upon him, police said. Both are charged with robbery.

5. Teens arrested

Three teenagers punched a young man and stole his cell phone before police arrested them on Nov. 12. The attack happened about 2:30 p.m. in the 280 block of West 231st Street. The teens arrested, two of whom are 17 and one who is 16, face robbery and assault charges

6. Jewelry stolen

A burglar stole over $3,000 worth of jewelry from a home in the 2800 block of Bailey Avenue on Nov. 13, police said. The 33-year-old victim came home about 8:30 p.m. to find a watch, gold ring, bracelet and necklace missing. No arrests have been made.

7. Robber arrested

A 28-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly robbed a man of $7,000 at gunpoint in the 3660 block of Waldo Avenue on Oct. 21 about 5:30 p.m., police said. The 29-year-old victim was not hurt. The suspected mugger faces robbery and weapon possession charges.

8. Phone stolen

Police arrested three young men accused of robbing a 13-year-old boy of his cell phone Nov. 15. The victim was walking home at about 6:30 p.m. when the alleged perpetrators, ages 15, 18 and 21, when the alleged took his phone. All three face robbery charges.

Items in Police Beat are based on reports of crimes and arrests. Those arrested are not guilty unless they are convicted by a court.

This is part of the November 19, 2009 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you. Click here.