Three charged in iPhone robbery spree

November 18, 2011
By JOHN VALENTI

Three Queens teens were arrested Thursday after police said one of them robbed a 12-year-old in Valley Stream -- and then teamed with two older boys to commit strong-arm street robberies on two other teenage boys.
Arrested were Rosedale residents Darren B. Gumbs, 16, of 245th Street, and Oriole Platel, 17, of 249th Street; and Joseph Noailles 18, of 220th Street, Laurelton, Nassau County police said.

Police said an attacker, believed to be Gumbs, ran up behind the 12-year-old on Rose Avenue near Mary Street at 3:20 p.m. Thursday, snatching an iPhone from the boy's hand.

About 25 minutes later, police said, Gumbs, Platel and Noailles are suspected of demanding a phone from a 15-year-old walking home from school through Hendrickson Park in Valley Stream.
The teen said he didn't have one, but Noailles punched him in the face and grabbed an iPhone from his pocket, police said.

The trio then fled on bikes, police said.

Just 15 minutes later, the three are suspected in the robbery of a third victim, another 15-year-old, on East Avenue, police said.

The teen, walking home with friends, was surrounded by attackers, who demanded cellphones. The 15-year-old said he didn't have a phone, but was threatened by the suspects, who fled on bikes after the youth turned over an iPhone, police said.

Police said that officers canvassing the area found Gumbs, Platel and Noailles about 4:30 p.m., arresting the trio.

Gumbs was charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Platel was charged with two counts of second-degree robbery, while Noailles was charged with first-degree and second-degree robbery.

The three are all scheduled for arraignment Friday in First District Court, Hempstead.

By By JOHN VALENTI
Posted Friday, November 18, 2011

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