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FDNY Firefighter And Friends Accused Of Robbing, Beating Up Cop

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An FDNY firefighter was arrested this week, on charges of robbing an off-duty police officer in Queens.

Angel Valerio, 30, was arrested at 1:15 p.m. Friday and charged with robbery, police said.

A New York Daily News report said Valerio, who works on the Lower East Side, robbed the off-duty officer with three other people this past Sunday outside the TGI Friday's restaurant on Austin Street near 70th Road in Forest Hills, Queens.

The incident reportedly began with a dispute with the officer.

The victim identified himself as an officer and walked off, but the group followed him down the street, beat him up and took a backpack with personal items and the officer's service weapon, the newspaper reported.

The officer was treated for scratches and bruises.

Valerio has been with the Fire Department for five years. The department said he would be suspended.

The newspaper account said the other two robbers were still on the loose Friday night.
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