On Thursday a 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the assault and robbery of a 68-year-old parishioner outside St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood, Queens.
As per police reports, the incident occurred on Sunday, April 9, when the suspect allegedly shoved Irene Tahliambouris, the victim, down the steps of the church, causing her to fall to the ground. While Tahliambouris lay injured, the suspect callously took her purse containing cash, a mobile phone, a credit card, and car keys. Additionally, he managed to steal her 2006 Nissan Altima and flee the scene.
Thanks to surveillance footage from the incident, the suspect was subsequently apprehended. Despite his juvenile status, which typically shields him from having his identity released to the public, the teen faces serious charges including robbery, assault, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property.
Tahliambouris remains in critical condition at the hospital, according to her family's GoFundMe page. In response to the attack, church authorities have increased security patrols around the premises.
One relative of the victim took to social media, expressing gratitude for the arrest but also emphasizing the need for legal reforms to address the issue of repeat offenses by petty criminals. Daniel Coffaro Hill questioned the effectiveness of current laws in deterring criminal activity and called for stricter enforcement measures.
