JAMAICA, Queens, New York – A 16-year-old suspect has been charged with robbing and assaulting a senior who was viciously pushed down the stairs of her church in Jamaica Hills during a violent mugging. The teenager, taken to the hospital after wrapping his shirt around his neck in the precinct holding cell, will be arraigned once released. Despite the suspect being arraigned as an adult, the Queens District Attorneys Office has decided not to release his identity due to his age. The suspect has a history of nine arrests as an adolescent offender in Queens since August 2023, with eight of those arrests related to robberies.
Arrested on Thursday, the teen is facing charges including robbery, assault, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. The attack on the 68-year-old woman, Irene Tahliambouris, took place outside St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, where she was heading to service. Surveillance footage captured the assailant shoving Tahliambouris as she walked up the steps to the church entrance, resulting in a fractured skull and black eye. The victim’s purse, car keys, and cellphone were stolen in the incident.
The suspect also allegedly stole Tahliambouris’ 2006 Nissan Altima, which was later recovered by the police approximately 3.5 miles away from the church. The victim’s family expressed frustration on social media about the lack of accountability in the state’s laws for such criminal acts. Father Konstantions Kalogridis, relieved that a suspect is in custody, along with parishioners at the church, shared their shock over the incident.
Community members, like Harry Panagiotopoulos, highlighted the fear that brutal crimes like these instill in residents. Panagiotopoulos mentioned how the upcoming Greek Easter celebration is causing unease among churchgoers, with many afraid to attend services. The victim, though still in the hospital, is reportedly in stable condition and on the road to recovery. The suspect is also being investigated for other crimes, including an attempted robbery of an elderly person and another incident involving car theft.
The incident has rattled the entire Greek community in Queens, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to prevent such acts of violence. Despite the trauma caused by the attack, the victim’s family remains hopeful for her full recovery and eventual return home. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to ensure the safety of all residents in the neighborhood.