Attempted Armed Robbery in Clarkstown

The Clarkstown Police Department arrested Michael DeLeo, a 44-year-old male from Greeley, PA for robbery with a handgun on Wednesday. Police said the suspect approached a mother and 3-year-old child playing ball in their front yard. He was arrested after the description of the car he was driving was transmitted over the police radio and a patrol unit from the New York State Park Police observed the vehicle driving away from the scene.

At approximately noon Wednesday, the Clarkstown Police Department received a call of an armed robbery in the area of Pleasant Hill Dr. located in New City. Responding patrol units were informed by the female victim, 38, of New City, that she was playing with her 3-year-old son in the front yard of their home when a vehicle approached her.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle exited the vehicle, walking toward her and her son. The suspect asked the victim if he was on Tor Rd. She told the suspect, who is unknown to the victim, that it was not Tor Rd.

The suspect then lifted up his shirt, exposing what appeared to be the handle of a pistol. The suspect told the victim he had a gun, he didn’t want to hurt her and he wanted jewelry and money. As the suspect and victim approached the front door of the home, the victim’s husband opened the front door. At this point the suspect walked back to his vehicle and fled the scene.

The vehicle was described as a silver jeep. Officers transmitted the vehicle description over the radio. A New York State Park Police unit patrolling the Hi Tor State Park heard the description and observed the vehicle. Officers flooded the area and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was positively identified. DeLeo was arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing. Two .22 caliber pistols were found inside the suspect’s vehicle.

Also recovered was a gravity knife, a PR-24 baton and a mace canister. DeLeo was charged with robbery in the first degree  (felony), burglary in the first degree (felony), criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (felony), criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (felony) and menacing in the second degree (misdemeanor). He was arraigned in the Clarkstown Justice Court. Bail was set at $100,000.