Catch Four In Ridgewood Mugging
Four Ridgewood men were arraigned last Thursday, May 30, on charges that they allegedly mugged a man at a neighborhood intersection for his cell phone, law enforcement sources stated.
Three of the suspects reside on the Queens side of Ridgewood; they were identified by police as Malique Andrews, 21, of Troutman Street, Tyler Pizarro, 20, of Starr Street and Pedro Severino, 20, of Himrod Street.
Law enforcement sources said the fourth suspect-identified as Jason Alvarez, 19, of Wyckoff Avenue- lives in the Brooklyn section of Ridgewood.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the assault took place at around 11:50 p.m. last Tuesday, May 28, in the vicinity of Seneca Avenue and Himrod Street.
Reportedly, the male victim was approached by Pizarro, who yelled at him and then threatened to take his phone. Seconds later, authorities noted, Pizarro allegedly punched the male in the face.
Police said Alvarez, Andrews and Severino then allegedly joined in the assault, surrounding and punching the victim about the face and body. During the beatdown, prosecutors said, the victim’s cell phone disappeared from his hand; reportedly, Pizarro was seen picking up the phone and placing it in his pocket.
As the beating continued, according to the criminal complaint, Pizarro allegedly picked up a glass bottle and smacked the victim in the head with it. The perpetrators fled from the scene moments later.
Members of the 104th Precinct responded to the incident. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries which were not life-threatening, including various bruises to his head and body as well as bleeding in the eye.
The four suspects were reportedly collared by P.O. Robert Sowden of the 104th Precinct at around 12:30 a.m. last Wednesday morning, May 29, authorities said. They were each charged with second-degree robbery and second- and third-degree assault.
During last Thursday’s arraignment hearing in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Gia Morris, Pizarro was ordered held on $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash; Andrews was held on $20,000 bond or $10,000 cash; and Severino was ordered held on $30,000 bond or $15,000 cash. Alvarez was released on his own recognizance.
All four individuals are scheduled to return to court on June 17, according to court records.