STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Authorities allege that a 23-year-old man stole from a tip jar and then hurled the container at a worker during a robbery and beatdown that occurred in broad daylight at a store on Hylan Boulevard in Grasmere.
Mohammed Aziz of Mallory Avenue in South Beach was arrested on Sept. 28 in connection with the incident that occurred around 12:35 p.m. on Sept. 11 inside Bagel Stop Deli & Grill at 1150 Hylan Blvd. near Clove Road according to the criminal complaint based on an investigation by the Staten Island Robbery Squad.
The NYPD previously asked for tips from the public to locate an individual sought for questioning in connection with the robbery.
Based on the police statement, Aziz asked a 35-year-old male employee for loose cigarettes and the worker replied that the business did not sell individual smokes.
Aziz is then accused of stealing about $35 from the tip jar and throwing the container toward the worker, striking the 35-year-old victim in the head. The suspect allegedly punched the worker on his face and body multiple times, causing the victim to experience physical injuries that included dizziness, swelling, and substantial pain on his head, face, arms and back, according to the criminal complaint and police.
The victim initially refused medical attention at the scene, according to police.
Aziz has been charged with robbery, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and harassment, according to the criminal complaint.
The suspect pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released without bail. He is due to appear in Criminal Court on Dec. 5.
Attorney Mark Fonte defended the innocence of his client, Aziz.
“My client adamantly denies taking anything from that store,” Fonte said. “He was defending himself in an altercation and the jar was thrown. No money was ever taken.”
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