by Mike Schnitzel
Sgt. John Roden of the 5th Precinct said that police are looking into the possibility that the incidents are connected. "With four similar robberies in such a close proximity, we would think that they are related," said Roden. "It's very possible."
According to police, in each case the perpetrators hid behind bushes near the addresses they gave when ordering Chinese food. As the deliverymen approached, the perpetrators jumped out, stealing either cash or the food being delivered. None of the residents living at the addresses given by the assailants had placed orders, police said. The orders were placed on cell phones.
The most recent robbery took place Jan. 31 in North Valley Stream. A 51-year-old deliveryman for Cheung's Chinese Food in Elmont was making a delivery to 901 Val Park Ave. when two men jumped out of the bushes. One of them produced a gray handgun, and both men pushed the deliveryman to the ground. The victim's right hand was cut during the robbery. The perpetrators stole $20 from his wallet and fled northbound on Val Park Avenue.
The "developing pattern" began on Jan. 24 in South Valley Stream. According to police, a 27-year-old deliveryman from China and Dragon in Valley Stream was delivering food to 64 Heatherfield Road when he was approached by three men, one of whom displayed a handgun. The suspects stole the food, valued at $35, and fled on foot.
Four days later, on Jan. 28, a 23-year-old deliveryman for Tai Feng Restaurant in West Hempstead was making a delivery to 537 West Elm St. in West Hempstead at 8:45 p.m. when four subjects wearing dark clothing appeared from the rear of the Elm Street address. One of them demanded money, and a second pressed a gun to the deliveryman's side. The other two subjects held knives to his neck as he turned over his wallet, which contained $200. The perpetrators then ran back to the rear of the Elm Street house and escaped.
The following day, two unarmed men wearing ski masks attempted to rob a 40-year-old deliveryman for China King in Queens Village. The victim was delivering food to 10 109th Street in Elmont. The attempt was unsuccessful, but the assailants escaped.
Roden could not say whether there were any suspects in the crimes, but he did say that the investigation is continuing. Police ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
Comments about this story? MSchnitzel@liherald.com or (516)569-4000 ext. 265.
