QUEENS, NY – A Staten Island man has been arrested in connection with an October armed robbery that began inside a Queens subway station and ended with the victim being forced to withdraw cash from a nearby bank.
Police said 29-year-old Robert Petty of 620 Delafield Avenue, Staten Island, was taken into custody and charged with robbery following an investigation by detectives from the 112th Precinct and Transit District 20.
The incident occurred around 7:31 p.m. on October 29 at the northbound “E” train platform inside the Union Turnpike–Kew Gardens subway station.
Teen victim threatened with gun and forced to withdraw money
According to investigators, a 17-year-old male approached Petty asking for directions when Petty allegedly lifted his shirt to display a firearm in his waistband and demanded money.
When the victim said he had none, Petty instructed him to go to a nearby Chase Bank at 118-30 Queens Boulevard, where he forced the teen to withdraw approximately $140 in cash.
Petty then fled on foot northbound on Queens Boulevard. No injuries were reported.
Arrest made following investigation
Detectives identified Petty through surveillance and witness accounts and arrested him without incident.
He is charged with robbery in connection with the incident and remains in custody pending court proceedings.
Police arrested 29-year-old Robert Petty of Staten Island for robbing a teen at gunpoint after forcing him to withdraw cash from a Queens bank.
