Shoplifter IDed, Caught by Nassau Police After Dropping His Cell Phone During Escape

LongIsland.com

Cops: Philip Odom of Hempstead, 49, stole four pocketbooks valued at $144 from the Kohl’s department store in Levittown.

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NCPD report the arrest of Philip Odom of Hempstead, 49, for a Robbery that occurred in Levittown on Friday, 8/11.

Photo by: LI.com News Team

New York, NY - August 15, 2017 - Second Squad detectives report the arrest of a Hempstead man for a Robbery that occurred in Levittown on Friday, 08/11/17 at 6:32 P.M.
 
According to detectives, Philip Odom, 49, entered Kohl’s department store located at 3563 Hempstead Tpke., concealed four pocketbooks valued at $144 in a black bag and left the store.  
 
The loss prevention officer approached the defendant outside of the store to recover the stolen merchandise and was pushed backwards by the defendant. The defendant grabbed a thick metal chain from his bicycle and swung it at the victim. The victim retreated and called police. The defendant then fled on his bicycle. The victim observed the defendant’s cell phone drop from his pocket as he fled and secured it until police arrival.
 
No injuries were reported.
 
Subsequent investigation by Second Squad detectives led to the arrest of Odom, at his residence, on Monday, 08/14/17, by Bureau of Special Operations police officers. He is being charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Threatens Use of Dangerous Instrument and will be arraigned on Tuesday, 08/15/17 in First District Court, Hempstead.
 
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.