He Can’t Get Away With Stolen Phone

Trying to run out of a Middle Village store with an unsold cell phone proved costly for a Maspeth resident who was busted by police last Tuesday, Feb. 23, after allegedly assaulting a store clerk who attempted to stop him, it was reported.

Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as John Troll, 26, of 63rd Street in Maspeth.

The robbery took place at around 1:45 p.m. last Tuesday inside the cell phone retailer located in the vicinity of Fresh Pond Road and Eliot Avenue, according to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office.

Police said Troll entered the establishment and asked a male worker to see a cell phone in the counter. When the worker complied with the request and placed the phone on the counter, it was reported, the suspect allegedly asked to see a Bluetooth accessory that came with the device.

After the worker turned away to retrieve the accessory, law enforcement sources said, Troll was al- legedly observed taking the cell phone from the counter and exiting the store.

Reportedly, the worker ran after the suspect and grabbed him just outside of the shop. Authorities said the two men then became embroiled in a physical struggle, during which Troll allegedly punched the worker multiple times in the face.

Members of the 104th Precinct arrived at the scene moments later and stopped Troll. The worker suffered minor injuries including multiple abrasions as well as bruises.

During a search of the suspect, police said, the cell phone allegedly taken from the store was found in Troll’s possession.

The perpetrator was taken into custody by P.O. Philippe Dupont of the 104th Precinct and charged with third-degree robbery, third-degree assault, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and harassment, according to a spokesperson for Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown.

Court records indicated that Troll was arraigned the following day, Wednesday, Feb. 24, in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Stephanie Zaro, who ordered him held on $7,500 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Mar. 10.