Floral Park robbery suspect nabbed in Queens

Police nabbed a Queens man after he robbed and punched a victim in Floral Park and made off with cash and other items, detectives said.

Nassau County Third Squad detectives said the incident occurred at 3:45 p.m. in Floral Park.

According to detectives, James M. Hodge, 31, of 145-03 107th Ave., Jamaica, approached the victim, 31, who was in a van on Cherry Lane. Hodge simulated having a gun in his pocket, pointed it at the victim and demanded money, police said.

He took cash, a cellphone, credit cards and other items, then punched him in the face and ran away, police said. Hodge was arrested about three hours later in Queens after police sent out a detailed description of the suspect. He had items belonging to the victim, police said.

Hodge is charged with second-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned Saturday in First District Court in Hempstead.