Cops: Man inquiring about house is robbed

A man interested in renting a house in Uniondale was instead attacked and robbed Sunday afternoon by a 20-year-old resident of the home who was later arrested, police said.

Nassau County police said the incident occurred at 976 Jerusalem Ave. just before 1 p.m. The robbery victim, identified only as a 54-year-old man, was not injured.

Police said the man "attempted to inquire" about renting the home when he was instead attacked by resident Jemel Ford. Police said Ford grabbed the victim by his coat, dragged him down the driveway, then took his cellphone and his wallet from his pants pockets.

After taking cash, police said, Ford returned the wallet and the cellphone to the victim.

The victim called police, who then arrested Ford at the house, charging him with third-degree robbery. Ford is scheduled for arraignment Monday in First District Court in Hempstead, police said.