An unemployed man residing on Aloe Vera Street in the St. Martin De Porres area of Lake Independence was arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court this morning on charges of robbery and handling stolen goods.

Peter Lauriano, 24, appeared before Magistrate Dale Cayetano, who read the two charges to him.

Lauriano pleaded not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $3,000 plus one surety in the same amount. His matter was adjourned to August 6.

Shakira Hernandez, 19, a receptionist residing at 4431 Peter Seco Street, reported to police at Precinct 3 that on Sunday, June 1, she was accosted by two men, who robbed her purse which contained a number of items.

The robbery occurred around 11:30 p.m., when Hernandez was walking on Calle al Mar Street in the company of a friend, Kimera Gordon. The men rode up on bicycles from behind the two women.

Hernandez told police that one of the men, whom she described as having a dreadlocks hair style, said: “Mek wih get down to business.”

According to Hernandez, after those words were uttered, she got into a struggle with the men, one of whom grabbed her purse and rode off.
Less than half an hour after the robbery was committed, based upon the description Hernandez gave to the police, they apprehended Peter Lauriano.

According to police, Lauriano had Hernandez’s perfume and a $50 bill, along with some coins and two receipts belonging to Hernandez.