A Woodside man is locked up on high bail for robbing a woman in broad daylight in Glendale last week, prosecutors announced.
According to the criminal complaint provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, August M. Watkins, 43, was arrested for knocking down a 61-year-old victim, stealing her purse, and resisting arrest once officers from the 104th Precinct caught up with him.
The complaint states that Watkins jumped out at the victim — Danuta Targonska — at the intersection of 88th Street and 76th Avenue at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, and yelled at her to give him money.
When Targonska told him that she did not have any money, Watkins smacked her on the right side of her head, knocking her to the ground, causing redness to her right wrist, substantial pain to her head and swelling to her left elbow.
Watkins then grabbed the victim’s purse and fled the location, the complaint continued.
Targonska told officers that her purse contained her wallet which had her debit card, approximately $1,110 in cash, several credit cards and her New York State ID.
As officers tried to place Watkins under arrest, he flailed his arms and pushed the arresting officer to avoid being handcuffed, the complaint stated.
Watkins was arraigned on Sept. 22 in front of Judge Peter Vallone Jr. on charges of second degree robbery and resisting arrest. Vallone Jr. set bail at $500,000, and Watkins’ next court date is Friday, Oct. 7.
