R’wood Chain Snatcher Busted By Police
Snatching chains from women in Ridgewood on back-toback days proved costly for a neighborhood man booked on robbery and grand larceny charges last Wednesday, June 25, law enforcement sources said.
Police stated Adalberto Rodriguez, 37, of Woodward Avenue was picked up after allegedly swiping a woman’s necklace last Wednesday and then visited moments later at a nearby jewelry store in an apparent attempt to pawn it off.
Upon further investigation, detectives reportedly linked Rodriguez to another chain snatching the previous day, Tuesday, June 24, near his Woodward Avenue home.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, last Wednesday’s theft occurred at about 2:10 p.m. at the corner of Seneca Avenue and Menahan Street.
Authorities stated a woman was pushing her baby in a stroller on the sidewalk when Rodriguez ran up to her, grabbed her necklace from her neck and fled on foot. Reportedly, the chain broke into two pieces as a result of the snatching.
Law enforcement sources said an eyewitness to the incident followed Rodriguez to a nearby jewelry store.
Officers from the 104th Precinct responded to the location after receiving a 911 call about the robbery and stopped Rodriguez.
During questioning, prosecutors noted, officers found the broken necklace inside the suspect’s underwear.
P.O. Louis Marinacci of the 104th Precinct booked Rodriguez on charges of third-degree robbery, criminal mischief and criminal possession of stolen property. Following an investigation, he was later booked by Det. Louis Lodato of the 104th Precinct Detective Squad for third-degree robbery and fourthdegree grand larceny in connection with the June 24 theft.
According to court records, Rodriguez was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court last Thursday, June 26, before Judge Suzanne Melendez, who ordered him held on $5,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on July 10.
