42-Year-Old Grabbed Phone, Damaged Laptop In Domestic Dispute: NYSP

KINGSTON, NY — New York State Police say that on March 5, around 9:39 p.m., troopers were patrolling Smith Ave. in Kingston, when they saw a 39-year-old woman outside and in need of assistance.

She told police that she had been in her apartment when a guest, 42-year-old Michael E. Rodriguez, of Connelly, initially left and then returned to her home approximately a half-hour later.

When he returned, Rodriguez became "irate" and tried to take the woman's phone. After a physical struggle, during which Rodriguez forcibly took her phone, he then damaged her laptop.

The woman then fled the apartment and Rodriguez fled the scene soon after. A warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with the incident.

On Tuesday, Rodriguez turned himself in. He was arrested and charged with felony third-degree criminal mischief (damage to property exceeding $250), misdemeanor criminal mischief (intent to damage property), and felony third-degree robbery.

Rodriguez was arraigned in Ulster County Court and remanded to the Ulster County Jail. He was scheduled to appear in the City of Kingston Court on Wednesday.