Crime Beat: Man Punched in the Face, Robbed for Cigarettes

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An 18-year-old man was punched in the face and robbed as he walked along Williams Avenue and Southeastern Terrace on Friday night.

According to police reports, the victim was walking home from a nearby 7-Eleven around 9:45 p.m. when an unknown man approached him and asked for a cigarette. The suspect then punched the victim in the face, knocked him to the ground and ordered the victim to empty his pockets. The victim handed over $25, a cell phone and two packs of cigarettes.

The suspect then allegedly took two cigarettes out of a pack and threw them at the victim, saying “here’s the love,” according to police reports. The suspect, along with three other men not involved in the incident, then ran away toward Back River Neck Road, the report states.

Here are other recent crimes reported to the Essex Precinct:

Yawmeter Drive, unit block, July 23: A dirt bike was stolen after someone broke the lock on a shed and took the item. Total loss: $6,000. 

N. Woodward Drive, 600 block, July 22: At about 11:50 p.m., police arrested a 27-year-old man and charged him with first-degree burglary for allegedly trying to steal a bezel for a TV and a mini-DVD player. According to police reports, Jacob Jahigen, of the 600 block of Delaware Ave., was allegedly caught by the homeowner trying to steal the items.

Riverhorn Road, 100 block, July 23:  A front passenger tire was taken from a 1991 Volvo belonging to an 88-year-old man.  Total loss: $150.

Hopkins Landing Drive and Sailaway Circle, July 22: A boat's VHF radio was stolen and a portable DVD player was destroyed. Total loss: $600.

Mars Run Road, 1900 block, July 20: Three pair of gym shorts and $47 were taken from a home after someone entered the residence through a rear kitchen window.

Middle River Road, 800 block, July 20: At 10:27 p.m., two unknown male suspects smashed the front glass door of Mama Rosa Rotisserie Grill and stole $200 from the cash register.

Eastern Blvd., 100 block, July 21: About 600 feet of copper wiring and five car batteries were taken from Charlie and Ray’s Auto Repair.

Foxwood Lane, 1000 block, July 18-20: A lawnmower and steel chain were taken from the yard of the home. Total loss: $175.

Community Road, 12900 block, July 19: A 16-foot boat was taken while tied to the victim’s dock. Total loss: $1,500.

Old Eastern Avenue, 2200 block, July 17-19: A toaster and watch were stolen after an unknown suspect broke a window or a rear door to enter the house.

Crossroads Circle, 11500 block, July 19: About 120 feet of ½ inch copper piping was stolen from a structure under construction. Total loss: $1,000.