WEST FARMS — An accused chain snatcher who targeted an off-duty police officer has been caught, police said.
The robbery took place on Aug. 17 around 6:55 p.m. in front of 1850 Clinton Ave., when 22-year-old Ernest Hemphill came up to the 53-year-old off-duty officer from behind and tried to steal several necklaces he was wearing, according to the NYPD.
Hemphill was able to successfully grab one of the necklaces and flee. The off-duty officer fired one round from his service weapon during the struggle but did not hit anyone, police said.
The officer was taken to Saint Barnabas Hospital, where he was evaluated and treated for abrasions on his neck and a minor injury to his hand before being released, police said.
Hemphill, who lives in The Bronx, was arrested for the crime on Thursday and charged with robbery and criminal possession of stolen property, police said.
He has four prior arrests for robbery and one prior arrest for obstructing government administration, police said.
