They Take Man's Cash And Soles

A gun-toting crook who swiped sneakers and property from a man during a stickup at a Ridgewood intersection last Sunday night, June 7 was caught by detectives the following day, it was reported.

Police identified the suspect as 16-year-old Wilfredo Aponte of Cooper Avenue in Middle Village.

Law enforcement sources said Aponte and an unapprehended male suspect approached the male victim at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Grove Street at around 10:30 p.m. last Sunday night, June 7.

Reportedly, Aponte pulled out a black and silver firearm and demanded the victim's belongings, while the other suspect revealed a knife.

According to police, the unidentified perpetrator removed the victim's cell phone as well as a wallet containing an unknown quantity of cash. It is alleged that Aponte also ordered the victim to remove and hand over his earrings and sneakers.

Once the victim complied with these demands, police said, the two suspects took the items and fled from the scene in an unknown direction.

The incident was reported to the 104th Precinct a short time later. The victim was uninjured.

Aponte was caught the following day by members from the 104th Precinct Detective Squad and was charged with robbery in the first and second degrees, said a spokesperson for Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown.

According to court records, the suspect was arraigned on June 9 in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Joseph Zayas, who ordered him held on $7,500 bond. He is scheduled to return to court on June 24.

The other crook involved in the caper remains at large, law enforcement sources stated.