- Police say the robbery was aimed at an Asian-American business owner in Westchester.
- The Queens-based suspect allegedly committed crimes in Tarrytown and White Plains.
- A task force of 17 law enforcement agencies worked on the case.
TARRYTOWN – An Asian-American business owner in Westchester County has been the apparent target of what police describe as a Queens-based robbery gang.
Tarrytown Police Chief John Barverett, who attended a press conference on Thursday, said evidence gathered by investigators first suggested that Asian-American business owners were being targeted. According to a news release issued by his department, the business owner was monitored by members of the ring.
Since none of the suspects have been identified, Barverett said he can only speculate as to their motives for targeting Asian Americans.
Still, he said, “I want to tell Asian-American business owners to be careful.”
Tarrytown Police said they investigated two robberies in early October. These robberies appeared similar to several other locations in the county.
As the investigation progressed and revealed that an Asian-American business owner was apparently being targeted, Tarrytown Police enlisted Westchester County Police to form a multi-jurisdictional task force to assist with the investigation. was established.
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Seventeen law enforcement agencies throughout the county eventually joined the task force’s operation. The Task Force gathered more evidence and monitored the suspect in Westchester County and New York City.
The task force has identified the location of White Plains, which they believe is the target of the suspects under surveillance.
Police said four suspects attempted a home invasion on Monday and were arrested by the task force. All four were charged with attempted first-degree robbery in White Plains, a felony.
They were identified as Diego Martinez Franco Alexander, also known as Anderson Osorio Gómez. John J. Carmona Artega, also known as Jeyle Puentas-Pajoy. Jose Javier Garcia Ortega. Victor Alfonso Lopez Restrepo.
Alexander and Artega were also charged with second-degree robbery, second-degree robbery and second-degree grand theft in Tarrytown, all felonies. From one location he allegedly stole more than $50,000 in money and jewelry, according to the criminal complaint.
All four are being held without bail at Westchester County Jail, awaiting their next court appearance.
The Robbery Task Force can be reached at 1-800-898-8477 to report suspicious activity.
Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Roca said: “I applaud the extraordinary work of the police and 17 agency investigators who assisted in this case and are proud to call them partners.
When asked if there were any potential defendants facing hate crime charges, Rocah spokeswoman Anna Young simply replied, “This is still under investigation.”
The State of New York defines hate crimes as “traditional crimes motivated by prejudice” that “because of perceptions or beliefs about race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, religious practices, or age.” and involves those who target victims.” , disability or sexual orientation, or as a result of such types of perceptions or beliefs. There is a possibility
Certain crimes may fall under hate crime laws, such as robbery, robbery, and grand theft.
Mike Randall covers breaking news for The Times-Herald Record, The Poughkeepsie Journal, and Journal News/lohud. Contact him at [email protected] or Twitter @MikeRandall845.