Update: Two men arrested after knifepoint robbery held without bail
Two men were arrested following an afternoon robbery Thursday when they allegedly beat up a victim at knifepoint to steal a backpack with a cell phone and other items, according to Riverhead Town police.
Steven Durham, 36, who is homeless and Timothy Hardge, 32, of Riverhead were both charged with felony first degree robbery Thursday, police said.
Both suspects where arraigned Friday and ordered held without bail because both had two prior felony convictions, according to assistant district attorney Rudy Migliore. They both pleaded not guilty.
The specifics of those convictions cannot be released, officials said.
Officials said that a grand jury notice was issued to both men, meaning that both cases are likely to be sent to a grand jury in the coming days.
Police responded to Grangebel Park at about 2:15 p.m. after a call from the victim who stated he had just been robbed at knifepoint. The victim, who is Hispanic, was punched in the face and threatened with a folding knife by one suspect while the other removed his backpack, containing a cell phone and clothing, according to prosecutors. Police located the suspects at the bust stop at the Riverhead County Center. The suspects were identified by the victim and arrested by police.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call police at 631-727-4500.
Both suspects are due back in Riverhead Town Justice Court Monday.
