Update: Police Make Arrest In Mugging Spree

Update: 10:55 p.m. Jan. 21: Police announced Friday night that the individual arrested in connection with the mugging investigation, 33-year-old Brian Rodriguez of Nassau County, has been charged so far with two of the ten incidents in question.

Rodriguez was charged with robbery 2 for his alleged involvment in the muggings on Jan. 9 at 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of 64th Avenue and 102nd Street, and Jan. 13 at 10:25 p.m. near 62nd Drive and 98th Street, both in Rego Park.

He has not been charged with any of the other incidents, though the investigation is still ongoing, police said.

have made an arrest of a suspect in connection with in Forest Hills, Rego Park and the surrounding areas, Precinct Council President Heidi Chain confirmed Friday afternoon.

The suspect, who police believe may have perpetrated as many as ten muggings in three different precincts, was arrested late Thursday night, the result of a highly increased police presence in the area.

The alleged mugger quickly became the subject of police wanted posters and a local manhunt for the violent nature of his alleged crimes.

The suspect would sneak up behind unsuspecting women walking alone after dark — often distracted — and would sometimes assault them from behind, punching them and knocking them to the ground while stealing a purse, wallet, iPod or other possessions.

No details have been released about the identity of the arrested suspect.