JAMAICA, Queens, New York City – A 16-year-old suspect accused of violently shoving a senior citizen down the stairs of a church in Queens during a robbery is now facing charges of robbery and assault. The teen, who had to be hospitalized after attempting self-harm, will be arraigned once released.
Despite being arraigned as an adult, the identity of the 16-year-old will not be disclosed due to his age, according to the Queens District Attorneys Office. The suspect has had nine prior arrests in Queens as a juvenile offender, with most of them related to robberies.
The incident took place outside St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Jamaica Hills, where the victim, 68-year-old Irene Tahliambouris, was brutally attacked while on her way to church. Surveillance footage captured the suspect forcefully pushing her down the stairs, resulting in a fractured skull and other injuries. The assailant then stole her belongings, including her car keys and cellphone.
Following the attack, the victim’s car, a 2006 Nissan Altima, was recovered by the police about 3.5 miles away from the church. The suspect is also being investigated for other crimes in the neighborhood, including an attempted robbery of an elderly person, and a separate incident where he allegedly stole another woman’s car.
Both the church community and the victim’s family expressed relief that a suspect is in custody. Father Konstantions Kalogridis and parishioners shared their shock and dismay over the incident, highlighting the impact it has had on the Greek community in Queens. Calls for increased safety measures and accountability in the justice system were made in response to the alarming crime.
As the victim, Irene Tahliambouris, continues to recover in the hospital, her family remains hopeful for her swift return home. The attack has reverberated through the community, causing fear and concern among residents, especially with upcoming events like Greek Easter.
The suspect is facing multiple charges, including robbery, assault, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. Police investigations are ongoing, with the suspect’s involvement in other local crimes under scrutiny. The community is rallying together to support the victim and advocate for greater safety measures to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.