Also Accused Of Robbing Women
Detectives collared an Elmhurst man last Thursday, Sept. 11, who allegedly tried to rape a woman last month and was connected to two separate cell phone robberies in the neighborhood earlier this summer, police reported.
Law enforcement sources said Jorge Chabla, 31, of Ithaca Street allegedly assaulted a 23-year-old woman, then molested her on Gleane Street early on the morning of Aug. 16.
Based on information obtained during an investigation, police determined Chabla also allegedly robbed two other women in separate incidents back in July. He was additionally charged with menacing and harassing a fourth woman on an Elmhurst street last month.
Reportedly, the rape attempt occurred at about 4:50 a.m. on Aug. 16 in the vicinity of Gleane Street and Elmhurst Avenue.
Police said the victim was walking through the area when Chabla allegedly approached her from behind and punched her in the head, causing her to fall.
Once she hit the ground, authorities noted, Chabla allegedly grabbed the victim and-even though she resisted- touched her genitalia over her clothing. Seconds later, he reportedly fled in an unknown direction.
The case was reported to the 110th Precinct; the victim suffered minor physical injuries.
Regarding the robberies, police said the first caper occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on July 11 at the corner of Elmhurst Avenue and Gleane Street.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, Chabla allegedly approached the female victim from behind as she walked through the area. Reportedly, he grabbed her by the neck, pressed a sharp object against her stomach and ordered her to come with him.
Law enforcement sources said Chabla allegedly walked the victim to a location one block away, holding the sharp object against her the entire time. After spotting a group of bystanders, he reportedly grabbed the woman’s cell phone, then fled from the scene.
The victim did not suffer serious injuries, it was noted.
Thirteen days later, according to the criminal complaint, Chabla robbed a woman at the corner of Britton Avenue and Ketcham Street at about 2:20 a.m. on July 24.
Reportedly, the female victim was talking on a cell phone while walking through the area when Chabla came up to her from behind. He then allegedly wrapped his arm around her neck and shoulder and ordered the victim to come with him.
When the victim fought back, police said, Chabla allegedly pushed her to the ground, then punched and kicked her face and head repeatedly. Authorities said he took her cell phone and purse-the latter of which he left behind near the scene-and fled.
Reportedly, the victim suffered injuries not considered life-threatening.
Subsequent to the investigation, Chabla was booked last Thursday on charges including first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree assault, forcible touching, first- and second-degree robbery, criminal possession of stolen property and second- and third-degree assault.
Court records noted the suspect was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court last Saturday, Sept. 13, before Judge John Zoll, who ordered him held without bail. Chabla is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 16.
