Cops: Queens man arrested in punching, robbery of Elmont resident

A Queens man has been arrested in connection with a burglary and robbery at a home in Elmont last year during which the suspect punched the 74-year-old resident, Nassau County police said Saturday.

According to detectives, Christian Font, 36, of 45th Street, Sunnyside, entered the Russell Street residence at 1 p.m. July 21, 2016, through an unlocked kitchen window.

Police said the male resident was in the kitchen at the time and ran to the window to try to prevent Font from getting inside, but the suspect punched the victim in the eye and was able to get in.

Font subsequently ordered the man to lie down for several hours while he ransacked the home, police said, and then fled the scene with electronics and jewelry. The victim refused medical attention at the scene, police said.

A fingerprint acquired by authorities identified Font, police said. Font, who was already being held in an unrelated case at Rikers Island jail, was arrested by Fifth Squad detectives Friday. Details of the prior offense were not immediately available.

Font, charged with robbery, burglary and unlawful imprisonment, was arraigned Saturday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Font was held on $400,000 bond or $200,000 cash, and a temporary order of protection was issued, according to court records. It was not clear if Font retained an attorney.