Ralphael Brown arrested in attack on infant at Hempstead laundry, cops say

A Hempstead man was charged Thursday after, police said, he robbed a Hempstead laundry employee as she was holding a baby -- then kicked and stepped on the child.

Ralphael Brown, 19, was charged with second-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree strangulation and endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

According to detectives, a 39-year-old female employee at the 24 Hour Laundry, 620 Fulton Ave., was holding a customer's 1-year-old daughter about noon Tuesday when Brown choked the victim and ripped off a diamond necklace. During the struggle, police said, Brown, of 358 Washington Ave., pushed the baby and "began kicking and stepping on her."

The baby suffered cuts to the head, chest and back area, and was taken by ambulance to a hospital to be treated. A police spokeswoman Thursday night said she did not have an update on the baby's condition.

The other victim suffered hand and chest bruising and cuts. She refused treatment.

Brown fled on foot after the attack and was seen getting into a blue 2010 Mazda that headed onto Fulton Avenue, police said. Detectives tracked Brown to his home Thursday and with the assistance of the Bureau of Special Operations, arrested him.

Brown is to be arraigned Friday in First District Court in Hempstead.