By Madina Toure
ASTORIA — A College Point resident has been charged with assaulting a 78-year-old man last week and robbing him of more than $400 in cash he was holding as he made a purchase at a newsstand, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.
The man, Charles Piccolo, 38, of College Point, was charged with robbery, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, Brown said. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
The 78-year-old victim was buying cigarettes at a newsstand in front of 22-14 31st St. in Astoria at about 10:14 a.m. Feb. 18 when he reached into his pocket and removed about $430 in cash, the DA said.
As he was waiting for his purchase, Piccolo allegedly approached him from behind, grabbed him and swung him to the ground, Brown said.
