Pinch ‘Grinch’ in robberies

A wannabe “Grinch” who allegedly robbed two Flushing residents on Christmas Eve is cooling his heels on a prison barge off Rikers Island.
According to police, Jose Zamora, 22, and an unidentified accomplice attacked an unnamed 49-year-old Asian male at about 5:40 a.m. on Monday, December 24, as he was walking home from an early church service.
The pair allegedly struck the victim in the head with “a pipe” and stole his wallet, containing his identification and about $250 in cash, leaving him sprawled on the sidewalk in front of 38-17 Parsons Boulevard. The injured man was transported to New York Hospital Queens for treatment.
Shortly after the first robbery and assault, Kwok Tsui, 61, of Flushing reported that, while he was walking from his home to the YMCA on Northern Boulevard, two male Hispanics dressed in dark clothing exited a black vehicle at 41st Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, and wrestled him to the ground.
According to Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, the attackers allegedly “struck (Tsui) twice with an unknown metal object about his body and repeatedly kicked him,” injuring his back, ribs and knee. Tsui also had to be transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released.
Tsui reported that a black bag containing his “green card,” driver’s license, an undisclosed amount of cash and other personal items was stolen from him by the pair, who fled in the dark colored vehicle.
Based on descriptions provided by the victims, police of the 109th Precinct detained Zamora later that morning, although his alleged accomplice was not with him at the time.
After questioning by detectives at the precinct command on Union Street in Flushing, Zamora was placed under arrest shortly after noon. Police have not released any information about his alleged accomplice.
Zamora has been charged with two counts each of robbery and assault, and remains in custody with his bail set at $35,000. He faces 15 years in prison if convicted of robbery. Zamora’s next court date is January 23.