ISLANDIA, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Suffolk County officials arrested a man late Sunday night after he allegedly robbed a 71-year-old man twice outside of a Long Island casino.
According to police, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Aaron Hayes, 24, initially approached the victim in the parking lot of Jake's 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia. The victim had just won a large sum of money and was walking to his car when it happened.
Hayes reportedly reached into the man's pocket and stole a small amount of cash before running away. However, police say Hayes quickly returned, realizing he had not gotten the large cash payout. He then allegedly knocked the elderly man to the ground and began searching his coat pockets for more money.
The robbery was interrupted when two good Samaritans intervened, prompting Hayes to stop his search and flee the scene in his vehicle.
Detectives located and arrested Hayes outside his home on Parnell Lane in Port Jefferson Station at 11 p.m. He was charged with robbery and is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 8.