John Mackewicz, 35, of 319 Freeborn St., was charged with robbery and…
By Matthew Monks
A Staten Island man was arrested Monday in a series of daylight purse snatchings from four women, including a senior citizen, in Astoria, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.
John Mackewicz, 35, of 319 Freeborn St., was charged with robbery and grand larceny in connection with the four incidents north of the Grand Central Parkway that took place between October and April, Brown said.
The victims ranged in age from 49 to 91 and lost as much as $120 each. In every instance, the assailant attacked the women from behind during the day. In two cases, he pushed the women on the ground, injuring their arms and legs. After each purse snatching, the suspect fled in a blue Toyota sedan, the district attorney said.
Brown said the first attack occurred at 8:50 a.m. Oct. 7 near Ditmars Boulevard and 33rd Street, a busy shopping district. The assailant walked up behind a 49-year-old woman, pushed her to the ground, grabbed her purse and fled in the Toyota. The fall caused cuts and bruises to the victim’s left knee, arms and hands, the district attorney said.
The second attack occurred that same day at 2 p.m. 20 blocks away on Ditmars Boulevard and 76th Street, a residential area near LaGuardia Airport. That time the suspect snuck behind a 91-year-old woman, snatched her purse from her shoulder and fled, Brown said.
At 10:25 a.m. on Jan. 13, the assailant approached a 63-year-old woman near 20-39 28th St., snatched her pocketbook, then pushed her to the ground and fled. The victim’s left leg and arms were cut and bruised, Brown said.
The last attack occurred April 7 at 1:10 p.m. on 21st Road between 19th and 21st streets. The assailant walked up behind a 56-year-old woman, yanked her purse off her shoulder and fled, the district attorney said.
Mackeweicz was arraigned Friday in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Gene Lopez, who set bail at $150,000, with a return date of April 23.
If convicted, Mackewicz faces up to 15 years in prison, Brown said.
Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
