Teen Steals Cash From Woman After Pretending to Sell Cell Phone: Police

HEMPSTEAD, NY - A 17-year-old man was arrested for stealing money from a woman he was pretending to sell a phone to in Hempstead on Sunday night, according to Nassau Police.

On Saturday, April 30, a 51-year-old, tried to buy cell phone that she had seen for sale online.

She met Jahmani R. Harleston, of Uniondale, on the street at 530 Sterling Street in Uniondale and gave him $200 for the phone, police said.

He then pushed the woman and fled the scene with the money and the phone, police said.

A short time later, the woman saw the same phone for sale online.

She set up a meeting later in the day at 30 Searing Street in Hempstead to buy the phone and notified police officers.

The officers were at the location when they saw Harleston walking towards their car, police said.

When the officers identified themselves, Harleston ran from them and after a short foot pursuit was stopped in the rear of an Elmwood Avenue home, police said.

After a struggle, Harleston was placed into custody, police said.

Harleston is charged with fourth degree grand larceny and resisting arrest, police said.