Man allegedly robs woman, uses money to play poker

Jeffrey Cabrera, 25, was arrested early Wednesday for robbing a woman in Chalan Piao, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Tuesday night. He allegedly stole the woman's purse and then used the money to play poker.

The victim, who suffered a swollen upper lip from the attack, was walking in front of the Monte Carlo Club when a man came up from behind and grabbed her purse. She struggled, and Cabrera fled, taking her purse containing $300 in cash and other personal items.

The victim immediately called police who then searched Chalan Iao and Chalan Kanoa without any luck in finding the suspect. Cabrera was sighted by the victim in Viva II Poker in Chalan Piao, and police arrested him near there.

Cabrera confessed to the robbery and took police to where he had ditched the purse and other items. He also admitted to using the stolen money to play poker in two different arcades.

Editor's Note: CNMI is located in the South Pacific Ocean about three-quarters the way from Hawaii to the Philippines. An island territory, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is joined in a political union with the United States and retains an independent government and constitution. The territory consists of 14 different islands, of which Saipan, Rota, and Tinian are the largest. As of July, 2005, its population was counted at 80,362.

courtesy of Sarah Polson

News Added: 17 September, 2006

Number of views : 750