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Police: Man Stepped On, Kicked Toddler In Violent Hempstead Robbery

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Police have arrested one man after an alleged violent robbery on Long Island.

Police say 19-year-old Ralphael Brown walked into the 24 Hour Laundromat on Fulton Avenue in Hempstead in broad daylight and stole a necklace off an employee's neck.

Police: Man Stepped On, Kicked Toddler In Violent Hempstead Robbery

The 39-year-old employee was holding a baby girl for a customer when Brown grabbed her neck and stole the diamond necklace before stepping on and kicking the 18-month-old child, police said.

Stolen necklace in Hempstead laundromat theft
(Credit: handout)

The employee was shaking and crying as she recounted the incident.

"I was afraid about the baby. I don't care about my necklace, I don't care about money. I felt bad when I saw the baby on the floor," the employee said.

Police: Man Stepped On, Kicked Toddler In Violent Hempstead Robbery

"He was crying a lot and I told the man, 'Please don't hurt the baby,'" she added.

Police say the infant was taken to a local hospital by ambulance for contusions to the head, back and chest area. The laundromat employee had bruises and lacerations, but refused treatment on the scene, police said.

Victim's injuries in Hempstead laundromat theft
(Credit: Mona Rivera/1010 WINS)

Brown was later arrested.

"That was our main concern. You know jewelry is one thing, a scratch is another thing, but the baby was trampled over so we were concerned for the baby," the laundromat's owner told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "I just feel like sometimes this is what happens around the holidays. It's sad."

The baby girl and the employee are said to make a full recovery.

However, as 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported, the woman's necklace is still missing and her boss said she desperately wants it back.

"It was a heart that was given to her for Mother's Day like 17 years ago, so there's sentimental value to it," her boss said.

Brown is charged with robbery, assault, strangulation and endangering the welfare of a child and is being held on $500,000 bond.

He is expected in court next on December 23.

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