Cops: Wantagh Teens Robbed During Basketball Game

A Levittown teenager robbed and assaulted several other teens who were playing basketball in Wantagh Friday night, according to Nassau County Police.

At 8:10 p.m., five boys between 13 and 16 years old were playing a game outside at Duck Pond Drive and Dock Lane when they were approached by an unknown teen, cops said.

The teen, Jairo Garcia, 17, punched one of the victims in the lip and demanded they hand over cash and property, police said. A struggle ensued and caused one of the victims to drop a cellphone, which Garcia picked up before trying to flee, cops said.

One of the victims caught up with Garcia, who took a glass bottle from his backpack and threatened to harm the victim, police said.

Garcia fled once again but was caught by police, who had been called to the scene, cops said.

The victims were treated at the scene for various lacerations, pain, and swelling during the brawl, police said. The stolen cellphone was returned to its owner.

Garcia was charged with first-degree robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of third-degree assault. He was arraigned Saturday at First District Court in Hempstead.

Photo via Google Maps

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