Nassau Teens Robbed Mechanic, Refused To Pay For Repairs: Police

VALLEY STREAM, NY — Two teens were arrested after police say they refused to pay for work done on a car and then robbed the mechanic before fleeing.

According to police, the 16- and 17-year-olds (whom police did not name) were at Arc Special Automotive, at 850 North Corona Ave. in Valley Stream, to pick up a car that had been repaired. The 17-year-old got into an argument with the shop owner over his inability to pay for the repairs. He then got into his car and was confronted by the shop owner. The owner was pushed and the teen took $340 from his shirt pocket before both teens fled the scene, police said. The shop owner was not injured.

Police broadcast a notification to patrol units and the car was located a short time later. The teens were pulled over and arrested without incident. The 17-year-old had a switchblade knife and a substance believed to be marijuana on him when he was arrested, police said.

Both teens are charged with second-degree robbery. The 17-year-old is also charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana. They are both scheduled to be arraigned later today.