Cops: App Leads Yonkers Police To Man Wanted In Robberies, Sex Assaults
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Westchester man accused of being responsible for a string of robberies and sexual assaults in September has been arrested.
Ahkeem Blount, a 36-year-old registered sex offender, allegedly robbed a woman in the parking lot of the Cross County Shopping Mall in Yonkers, taking off with her pocketbook, cell phone and other personal items, according to police.
Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner said that the cell phone was Blount's downfall, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported.
"These devices that have these 'Find My Phone' applications are helpful to us immensely," Gardner said.
Three separate incidents, including the sexual assault of a 57-year-old woman lead back to Blount, who recently served prison time for assaulting an 8-year-old in 2005, WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini reported.
There was relief in the neighborhood where Blount allegedly struck again.
"This is great news that he was caught. I just hope he doesn't come out," Maria DaSilva said.
Commissioner Gardner said Blount stole the phone on September 23. Investigators used the app to track the stolen unit to the other side of town where patrol cops spotted Blount suddenly drop a bag containing the stolen phone.
Once caught, police were able to connect Blount to the other crimes. Blout is facing multiple felony charges, but the investigation is ongoing.
CBS2's Aiello spoke briefly with the son of the woman who was sexually assaulted and robbed. He said she is still recovering and is greatly relieved that there has been an arrest.
Blount had been on parole after serving ten years for raping a young girl in New Rochelle. He gained access to the victim's home by claiming to be a repairman.
