Christopher Hasenflue. (KPD photo)
A hapless bandit’s effort to rob two women in the heart of Kingston’s Uptown nightlife district was foiled by civilians who took action, police said.
According to Kingston police, the incident began around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9 when Catskill resident Christopher D. Hasenflue snatched a purse from a woman eating at an outside table at a restaurant near the corner of Wall and John streets. Hasenflue was tackled by a bystander as he fled on Wall Street. According to police, Hasenflue dropped the purse, pulled out a knife and briefly chased the victim when she took her purse back. Cops say Hasenflue fled when witnesses called 911.
Moments later, police said, Hasenflue accosted a 67-year-old woman a block away at Fair and John streets. Cops say Hasenflue threatened the woman with a knife before taking her purse. As Hasenflue fled up Fair Street, police said, two people heard the victim’s screams and gave chase. The pair chased Hasenflue to the area of Clinton Avenue and Maiden Lane before he turned, menaced them with a knife and fled behind a building. When police arrived, the witnesses were able to show officers where Hasenflue was last seen. He was arrested a short time later.
Hasenflue is charged with felony first-degree robbery and the misdemeanors of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest. Police say the investigation is continuing and further charges are expected.
Good going to all the bystanders who took action. That’s the way we stop these individuals who prey on others. Glad no one was hurt, other than the “alleged perp.”