Three charged in iPhone robbery spree

Three Queens teens were arrested Thursday after police said one of those boys robbed a 12-year-old in Valley Stream -- and then teamed with two older boys to commit strong-arm street robberies of two other teenage boys.

Arrested were Darren B. Gumbs, 16, of 245th Street in Rosedale, Oriole Platel, 17, of 249th Street in Rosedale, and Joseph Noailles, 18, of 220th Street in Laurelton, Nassau County police said.

Police said Gumbs ran up behind the 12-year-old, who was walking along Rose Avenue near Mary Street in Valley Stream at 3:20 p.m. Thursday, stealing an iPhone from the boy's hand.

About 25 minutes later, police said, Gumbs, Platel and Noailles confronted a 15-year-old walking home from school through Hendrickson Park in Valley Stream -- and demanded the boy's phone.

The boy said he didn't have a phone, but Noailles punched the teen in the face and grabbed an iPhone from the boy's pocket, police said.

The trio then fled on bikes, police said.

Just 15 minutes later, the three teens robbed a third victim, another 15-year-old, on East Avenue, police said.

The teen, walking home with friends, was surrounded by the trio, who, demanded cellphones from those in the group. The 15-year-old said he didn't have a phone, but was threatened by Gumbs, Platel and Noailles, police said.

Police said he then turned over an iPhone to Gumbs.

The trio again fled on bikes.

Police said that officers canvassing the area located Gumbs, Platel and Noailles at about 4:30 p.m., arresting the trio -- and ending the spree.

Gumbs was charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Platel was charged with two counts of second-degree robbery, while Noailles was charged with first-degree and second-degree robbery.

The three are all scheduled for arraignment Friday in First District Court, Hempstead.