Saratoga Springs Police are currently investigating a series of late night strong-arm robberies that have occurred over the past several weeks in the downtown area, according to Lt. Greg Veitch. Arrests have been made in one of the robberies and police do have additional suspects that they are currently attempting to locate.
Police have received reports of at least four strong-arm robberies since May 1. All the robberies have occurred within one block of Broadway and none involved a weapon. Several of the victims were intoxicated at the time of the attack, said police.
Police are investigating the following incidents:
Sunday, May 2, at about 3:45 a.m., a male subject flagged down police officers and reported being jumped by two males on Putnam Street between Caroline Street and Phila Street. The victim received minor cuts and scrapes, torn clothing and had money stolen from him during the incident.
Sunday, May 16, at about 4:20 a.m., two male victims flagged down patrol officers and reported being robbed by a group of five males near the intersection of Phila and Putnam Streets. One male victim was not injured while the second victim was chased a short distance, assaulted and had money and a cell phone stolen. The victim suffered minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. Police officers stopped two suspects a few blocks from the crime scene and eventually arrested them for the robbery. Police arrested Dakota Tracey, 24, of Zephyr Lane in Saratoga Springs and Anthony Bowden, 24, of Low Street in Ballston Spa for the May 16 robbery.
Saturday, May 29, at about 9 p.m., a male victim reported being robbed at knifepoint near Congress Park. Details of the crime are unclear and police continue to investigate the incident to identify possible suspects.
Tuesday, June 1, a male victim reported being assaulted in Congress Park at about 12:50 a.m. The victim was approached by four suspects who demanded money. When the victim refused, the subjects assaulted him causing several lacerations to the victim’s face that required medical treatment later that day. The victim still refused to relinquish any money and the suspects fled the area without taking anything.
Police are concerned that there may be additional victims who have not come forward yet, said Veitch, and encourage anyone who may have been the victim of a similar crime or may have witnessed any of these robberies to contact them at 584-1800.
Police are telling residents to stay alert to suspicious activity and to avoid situations where they may find themselves in danger. People should be aware of their surroundings, travel in groups when possible and contact police immediately if they are the victim of a crime. City police have increased patrol activity in the areas where these incidents have occurred to include additional foot and bicycle patrols.
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