MONSEY – A local community watch organization helped police arrest a man who tried to rob and a 78-year-old woman Friday afternoon.
Ramapo police said around 1:40 p.m., Hayler Ruiz-Alejo came up from behind the woman while she was in her backyard, grabbed her around the head and neck area, and tried to drag her towards to the corner of her Ronald Drive property.
Police said her screams alerted two members of the local community watch, Chaverim, who intervened.
They chased Ruiz-Alejo on foot when he tried to run away and detained him until Ramapo police arrived on scene.
The 30-year-old Spring Valley man was arrested and charged with second-degree attempted robbery, second-degree assault, criminal trespassing and driving while intoxicated.
Police said other charges are still pending.