Police: Man Attacks Dice Game Opponent

The following information was supplied by the Nassau County Police Department. A criminal charge is only an accusation, and does not indicate convictions.

A Far Rockaway man on Sunday allegedly punched another man in the face repeatedly after losing money in a dice game, police said. He then took the money from the victim.

At 9 p.m., the 25-year-old victim was placing dice at Inwood Park with some acquaintances, including the defendant, Walter Velasquez, 34.

After winning the money, the victim decided he wanted to leave the game. That’s when police said Velasquez “became enraged” that he would not have an opportunity to win his money back and attacked the victim, punching him in the face repeatedly and knocking him to the ground.

While the victim was on the ground, Velasquez reached into his pants pocket and took $150 and left the scene on foot. The victim then called 911.

After police arrived and interviewed the victim, the defendant was located a short distance away on Bayview Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard. He was placed under arrest without incident.

The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention.

Velasquez is charged with robbery in the third degree.