Armed Teen Sticks Up Youngster

After bumping into a 12-year-old boy at a Ridgewood intersection last Tuesday, Oct. 13, a Richmond Hill teenager reportedly took the opportunity to threaten the youngster with a gun and rob him of his cell phone.

Law enforcement sources said David Ortiza, 18, of 101st Street in Richmond Hill, was identified as the perpetrator and tracked down a short time later by detectives.

According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the robbery occurred at around 3:25 p.m. last Tuesday at the intersection of Catalpa Avenue and 60th Street.

Reportedly, the 12-year-old victim was walking through the intersection when he bumped into Ortiza. After making contact, police said, the two exchanged words.

During the dispute, law enforcement sources noted, the suspect allegedly demanded the victim’s cell phone and claimed to have a gun. At that moment, Ortiza reportedly lifted his shirt and displayed a handgun.

The victim handed over his phone to the suspect, who then fled from the scene, it was noted. The incident was later reported to the 104th Precinct.

About three hours after the robbery, according to police, Ortiza was taken into custody by members of the 104th Precinct Detective Squad at a Cypress Avenue location. He was subsequently charged with seconddegree armed robbery, third-degree robbery and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to court records, Ortiza was arraigned the following day, Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Toko Serita, who ordered him held on $5,000 bail. The suspect is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 28.