A Hoboken man cornered a woman in her building elevator before stealing her cell phone and purse, only to get caught by police a short time later, authorities said.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Andre Wheeler, 35, of Hoboken, was charged with robbery, burglary, theft and false imprisonment, according to Police Det. Lt. Edgardo Cruz.
Det. Paul Quinn, Officer Jason Montalvo, along with Sgt. Keith Rotondi and Officer William Bullock, responded to a residence in the area of 5th Street on a report of a robbery. As the officers were dispatched, a description was given to all units, police said.
Officers arrived and spoke with the victim. The victim stated to the officers that as she arrived home, she observed a male who was opening packages in the lobby. This male then followed the victim into the elevator where he forcefully took her cellphone and her purse, officials said.
As the officers searched the area, Det. Quinn located a male who fit the description given in the area of 3rd Jackson Street. After speaking with the defendant, he was found to be in possession of the victim’s cellphone, authorities said.
He was placed under arrest and a search found him to be in possession of personal items belonging to the victim. He was transported to headquarters were a warrant complaint was generated, police said.
He was processed and later remanded to the Hudson County Rehabilitation Center. The victim did not suffer any serious injuries and her property was returned, officials said.
