Cops: Hempstead man arrested on robbery and drug charges

A Hempstead man, who was arrested and charged in a Uniondale robbery early Sunday morning, had small plastic bags of what may be cocaine on him, Nassau County police said.

Police said Patrick Hawkins, 27, of 29 Clark Place, was charged with robbery, criminal possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest in the incident.

Officers from a criminal intelligence rapid response team saw him about 1:30 a.m. pushing a 29-year-old man against a wall at 1049 Front St., according to a police news release.

He ran when officers approached and struggled when caught, police said. Police said they found several ziplock bags on him with what they believe is cocaine.

It was also discovered that the defendant had forcibly taken an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim, police said.

Hawkins was scheduled to be arraigned Sunday at First District Court, Hempstead.