Two Men Fled Cops After Mugging Friend: Police

After a chase in car and on foot, Nassau County police arrested two men for robbing one of their friends of his phone, cash and even his shoes.

According to police, Devon Williams, 22, of 121st Avenue, Jamaica, and Richard Newton, 23, of Harris Avenue, Freeport, offered to give their acquaintance, a 20-year-old man, a ride to where he wanted to go at 11:48 p.m. on Wednesday. But instead of taking him there, police say Newton drove through the streets of Roosevelt instead. The man attempted to get out on Greenwich street, police say, but when he tried to get out of the car, Newton grabbed his shirt and tore it.

Police say the man was able to get out of the car, but Williams jumped out of the back seat and grabbed him, punching him in the stomach and demanding all of his possessions. Williams then forcefully removed the man's shoes, jacket, watch, cell phone and cash, police say. According to police, the man was then able to run away and hide until the two left. He then asked a homeowner on East Pennywood Avenue to call the police.

A short time later, around 12:20 a.m., police say they saw Williams and Newton driving in Freeport. Police say they attempted to pull them over, but they refused to stop. The two drove into the unmarked car of a Freeport Police Department officer who was assisting the NCPD, and their car finally stopped on North Bayview Avenue in Freeport. Newton was arrested at the scene.

Police say Williams fled on foot and was found on Terrace Avenue. He refused to cooperate with officers, police say, and one of the officers used his Taser on Williams, who was then placed under arrest.

According to police, in a search after their arrest, officers found baggies with a leafy substance they believed to be marijuana.

Williams was taken to Nassau University Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. He is charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of unlawful possession of marijuana. He will be arraigned when medically practical. Newton is charged with second-degree robbery. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Photo: Nassau County Police Department