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Homeless man knocks down elderly Wal-Mart greeter during theft

An 80-year-old greeter at the Riverhead WalMart was knocked to the ground Friday after asking to see the receipt of a homeless man who was attempting to leave the store after stealing a laptop computer.

Stephen Morris, 33, formerly of Far Rockaway, Queens, pushed the older woman to the ground and fled the store about 7:30 a.m., possibly fracturing her wrist in the process, police said.

STEPHEN MORRIS

But another employee recognized Mr. Morris, and the suspect was picked up on a warrant later that day. “She asked to see his receipt; he knocked her over,” Riverhead Detective Sergeant Joseph Loggia said simply.

The victim, who lives in Middle Island, left work early with back pain, though she was not hospitalized.

Sgt. Loggia said she might have broken her wrist in the ordeal.

Mr. Morris was charged with third-degree robbery. He is being held on $50,000 bail at the Suffolk County Jail in Riverside.

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