2 Men Robbed an Hour Apart in Hempstead

Two people were robbed and beaten by groups of men less than an hour apart in Hempstead Monday, according to Nassau County Police.

Police said a 58-year-old man delivering a pizza was robbed at 10:53 p.m. on Laurel Avenue. At 11:45 p.m., a 27-year-old man was robbed as he waited for a bus on Fulton Avenue, cops said.

Officials have not yet confirmed a link between the two robberies but said they are investigating all possible theories.

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A man approached the first victim and claimed he had to get money for the pizza as four others snuck up behind the victim, cops said. The group reportedly punched and kicked the victim before rifling through his pockets. They fled the scene with money, a cellphone, and car keys to a 2013 Toyota Corolla that was missing when the victim returned, cops said.

The victim suffered contusions to his face and jaw, police said.

Hempstead Police tried to stop the Corolla on Walnut Street but the driver jumped out of the car as it was still moving, cops said. The car struck a parked car as the driver fled, police said.

Later in the night, the second victim was approached by three men who claimed they, like him, were waiting for the bus, cops said. One of the men suddenly punched the victim in the face before the other two men joined in, cops said. The men threw the victim to the ground, punched him, and stole his wallet, iPhone, and cash before fleeing on foot, police said.

The victim was able to walk to the nearby Hempstead Police station and report the incident. He was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the two robberies to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

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