Homeless Man Stole Tip Jar From Jericho Store, Resisted Arrest: Police

A homeless Hicksville man faces robbery charges after police say he stole a tip jar from a store and resisted arrest Tuesday.

According to authorities, Haile Watson, 39, walked up to the counter in H Mart, located at 335 North Broadway in Jericho, and stole a tip jar containing an unknown amount of money at 4:10 p.m.

An employee who witnessed the theft followed Watson out of the store and called 911, police say. Responding officers located Watson and attempted to place him into custody when he became violent, police say.

Watson allegedly grabbed an officer’s police shield, which was attached around the officer's neck by a chain. and ripped it off. The man continued to resist arrest until police say he was handcuffed and placed into custody. The proceeds from the theft were found in his pockets, police say.

Watson was charged with third-degree robbery, petty larceny, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. He will be arraigned Wednesday.

Image via NCPD