Cops probe Elmont chain-snatchings

Fourth Squad detectives are investigating whether the same man snatched gold chains from two victims Monday in Elmont, Nassau County police said.

The robberies occurred at a fast-food restaurant and in front of a building, both located on Hempstead Turnpike, police said. The two spots are about a half-mile from each other.

"We can't say for sure it's the same guy," a police spokesman said of the suspects, "but we're looking into the possibility that the two cases are related."

There were no injuries when a gold chain was taken from a man in the Taco Bell at 1625 Hempstead Tpke. at about 6 p.m. and then again from another man standing in front of 1415 Hempstead Tpke. at about 9:30 p.m., police said.

A man, 31, was eating at the Taco Bell when he was approached by another man who asked him for a dollar. When the victim said he did not have any money, the suspect then grabbed the chain from his neck and fled, police said.

Later, a man, 35, was standing in front of a building when he was approached by a man who had a tattoo of the word "Madison" on his left forearm, police said. The man asked the victim for a cigarette.

When the victim said he did not have one, the man grabbed a gold chain from the victim's neck and fled; a second man -- also a suspect -- then ran in the same direction of the first suspect, police said.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 800-800-244-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.