Police arrested and charged four individuals in connection to two incidents of grand larceny in Flushing and Glen Oaks where the victims were sprayed with an unknown substance and robbed of their recently withdrawn cash.
The first incident was reported on Thursday, Sept. 8. At approximately 2:38 p.m., a 52-year old female withdrew $3,000 in cash from a Chase Bank located at 39-01 Main Street. After leaving the bank, the woman was approached by a male and female at 135-45 Roosevelt Avenue. The two individuals said that she had a substance on her back and after they offered their assistance, the victim saw that her bag was open and the cash was gone.
The second incident occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at approximately 12:50 p.m. An 80-year old woman exited a Capital One Bank at 257-03 Hillside Avenue after making a withdrawal. She was approached at 254-05 Hillside Avenue by a male and female who said that she had a substance on her ear. The individuals offered their assistance, and shortly afterwards the victim saw that $350 was taken from jacket pocket.
Following the pursuant investigation, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, police apprehended four individuals who were involved in one or both incidents. Danny Guerrero Arbelaez, 35, was arrested in connection to the first incident, Francisco Puerta Baracaldo, 38, and Javier Rodriguez Velasco, 38 were arrested in connection to the second incident, and Claudia Londono Rodriguez, 40, was arrested in connection to both incidents.
All four individuals were charged with grand larceny, with Londono Rodriguez receiving two counts of grand larceny for her involvement in both incidents.
