Caught Trying To Sell Cellphone
A Middle Village teenager was caught selling a stolen cellphone at a pawn shop by the phone’s owner last Monday, Apr. 16, and was subsequently arrested, law enforcement sources reported.
Matthew Maguire, 18, of Pleasantview Street was arraigned Apr. 17 and charged with third-degree attempted larceny, assault, petit larceny and resisting arrest for the crime.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s
Office, a man playing handball at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village at about 4:30 p.m. put his cellphone on the ground while playing. When he returned to the spot where he left his belongings, the phone was gone.
The man then went to a nearby pawn shop, where he allegedly observed Maguire enter and attempt to sell the phone to the shop.
He then snatched the phone back from Maguire’s hands, sources stated, at which point Maguire began to punch the victim in an attempt to retake the stolen phone.
Maguire was arrested by the 104th Precinct at about 5:55 p.m. that day; reportedly, Maguire flailed his arms in an attempt to avoid being handcuffed.
Maguire did not post bail; his next court date is May 2.
