By:Elizabeth Sagarin
P.C. Richard's personnel wrest knife from robber
Three employees of P.C. Richard's in Oceanside managed to protect themselves and approximately $1,600 worth of merchandise, police said, after they were threatened by three people from the Bronx who were trying to steal electronic equipment July 3.
Alfredo Santos, 38, of 2311 Southern Blvd., and Reynoldo Castro, 39, and Tasha Rivera, 20, both of 2011 Crotona Ave., were arrested and charged with robbery in the first degree. Santos was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and resisting arrest.
According to Det. James Hendry of the Fourth Squad, the three were seen by store employees as they carried out assorted electronic merchandise to their car in the parking lot.
When one of three male employees, ages 19, 34 and 52, attempted to detain Santos in the parking lot, Santos brandished an 8-inch knife.
Then, after the employees managed to knock the knife out of Santos' hand, one of Santos' partners, Rivera, came out to aid him by pushing and kicking one of the employees, Hendry said.
Employees inside the store called police, and six officers arrived within minutes of the call, Det. Sgt. Daniel Sheehan said. "It was an extremely well-performed detainment," he said, praising the employees.
The three accused were placed in police custody and arraigned July 4 at First District Court in Hempstead. Rivera and Castro were held on $20,000 bail. Santos was held on $40,000 bail.
The three employees were prevented from discussing the incident with the Herald by P.C. Richard's executives.
"They should be commended for their bravery," Sheehan said.
