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Violent 1 Train Robbers Caught Riding Rails With Stolen Cellphone: NYPD

By Carolina Pichardo | August 25, 2016 1:42pm
 Police arrested the two men Tuesday night in the 1-train 191st St. station, officials said.
Police arrested the two men Tuesday night in the 1-train 191st St. station, officials said.
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DCPI

WASHINGTON — Two teens who attacked and robbed a 19-year-old straphanger while he was sleeping in a northbound 1 train on Tuesday morning were caught a day later while riding the train at the 191st train station, police said.

Wilson Salas, 17, and a 15-year-old accomplice whose name was withheld because of his age were arrested Tuesday night, when police recognized the duo from a wanted poster stemming from the Aug. 23 attack.

The pair punched and kicked a man in the face while he was sleeping shortly before 4 a.m., then snatched his cellphone and ran off, leaving him with bruises on the face, police and prosecutors said. According to the district attorney’s office, the victim was treated for redness above his eye, pain, and required a CAT scan at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

They were still carrying the stolen cellphone on Wednesday, but tried to drop it on the ground when police approached, officials said.

Salas told police that “he saw a friend beat up the man and take his cellphone,” and claimed he only had it in his possession "because I was going to buy it from my friend and pay him for it on Friday,” according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Salas was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on two counts of robbery in the second degree and criminal possession of stolen property. His bail was set at $7,500 cash and $15,000 bond. His next court date is Wednesday, Sep. 28.  

Salas’ lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Prosecutors said the 15 year old, who they say acted as a lookout, will be charged as a juvenile.