(Long Island, NY) The Second Squad reports the arrests of two men for Robbery that occurred in Jericho on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 10:24 pm.
According to detectives, a 17 year old male resident and his twenty year old male friend were inside a Forest Drive home at which time the defendant, Eric D. James, 29, of Bayshore entered through an unlocked front door while wearing a white mask. He Approached the 17 year old victim and displayed a black handgun while demanding cash.
Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Eric D. James, 29, of Bayshore for Robbery that occurred in Jericho on Saturday, July 25. Photo Credit: NCPD.
After the victim explained he had no cash the defendant ordered both victim’s to the bedroom. Eric D. James then forcibly removed a Rolex watch worn by the 20 year old victim. Eric D. James then demanded drugs after observing drug paraphernalia lying on the floor of a closet. The victim complied by handing over a bag that contained a brown leafy mixture believed to be marijuana / synthetic marijuana.
The defendant then fled on foot on Forest Drive with the proceeds.
Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Ryan E. Diaz, 20, of Muttontown for Robbery that occurred in Jericho on Saturday, July 25. Photo Credit: NCPD.
Second Precinct Police were called and began conducting a search of the area. A Nassau Police Canine Officer who was responding to assist observed a 2003 Nissan Altima was travelling at a high rate of speed and passing stop signs west on Birch Park Drive. A Vehicle Traffic Law stop was conducted on Broadway in the vicinity of Columbia Drive, Jericho. The investigation revealed the driver Eric D. James also matched the description broadcasted from the robbery. He was placed into police custody without incident.
All proceeds were recovered including the white mask and the hand gun. Further investigation revealed that the 20 year old victim, Ryan E. Diaz, 20, of Muttontown was a coconspirator in the Robbery. He was also placed into police custody without incident, There were no injuries reported.
Eric D. James is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree, Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.
Ryan E. Diaz is charged with Robbery 2nd Degree, Making a False Written Statement.
Both men will be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Monday, July 27, 2015.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
