Rockville Centre Police Department catches robbery suspects

On April 6, 11 and 17, three separate cell phone thefts occurred in the vicinity of Rockville Centre’s LIRR station. In two of the incidents, force was used to steal the phones. The victims were either awaiting a train or had just exited.

On April 30, Taaj Cox and David White were arrested and charged with the crimes. In 2012, Cox was arrested for a robbery with a handgun that occurred on N. Centre Avenue in Rockville Centre.

Additionally, on May 8, the RVCPD arrested Janai Robinson, 16, of Old Mill Court. Robinson was charged with second degree robbery.

Rockville Centre Police and MTAPD detectives conducted an investigation that resulted in the apprehension of the defendants. Police Commissioner Charles Gennario urged residents to use caution while using cell-phones; they make easy targets for “apple pickers.”

“Apple picking is a street term used for cell phone snatches,” Gennario said. “We were experiencing a rash of these instances at the train station. The MTAPD and their detectives were essential in the apprehension of these subjects and I thank them for their cooperation.”

Cox, 21, of Old Mill Court, Rockville Centre, was charged with Robbery second degree, Grand Larceny fourth degree, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. White, 22, of Ellison Avenue, Roosevelt, was charged with Robbery second degree and Robbery third degree. If convicted, both could face up to 20 years in prison.

“Robbery is a serious offense,” said Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray. “I want to commend both departments for their interagency cooperation in the apprehension of these criminals who were preying on our residents. The safety of our community is a number one priority of the Board of Trustees.”