16-Year-Old Robs Two In Central Park -Thief Caught By Tourist

PINNED: Gaston Cavalleri has an alleged 16-year-old Central Park mugger easily under control as bystanders await cops. (Photo: Bill Sanderson/NY Post)

Central Park

By Geoffrey Croft

Two woman enjoying a warm evening last night in Central Park had their purses snatched.

The women 23, and 22, both from New York City, were lying on a beach towel near Wollman Rink - E. 63rd Street and the Center Drive- around 8:30 when a 16-year-old grabbed their purses and fled, according to the police.

The victims gave chase and called out loud for help when a tourist from England sprang into action. The man chased the assailant down and pinned him on the ground in a leg hold until cops arrived.

By-standers flagged down a passing maintenance worker in a golf cart from the Central Park Conservancy who used the radio to call police who arrived minutes later.

He was caught with credit cards and cash. The teen was charged with Grand Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.

The New York Post picks up what happened immediately after the robbery.

A British tourist foiled a Central Park mugger with his best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu moves yesterday — pinning the perp on the ground until cops arrived, witnesses told The Post.

Gaston Cavalleri, 32, had just started working out with a pal at about 8:30 p.m. when he saw two girls running after the alleged attacker, screaming that he’d stolen one’s bag.

“I said to my friend, ‘Hey, do you mind if I leave you for a second?’ ” Cavalleri, a published author and personal trainer, told The Post.

“And then I just took off to get the guy. I just saw him running and I grabbed him.”

The 32-year-old hero pinned the mugger — who begged to be released — and held him for cops, who hauled him off in cuffs.

Cavalleri, who grew up in London, said he’s spending three weeks in New York City before deciding where to visit next.

He had spent four years in South America — including time in Brazil, where he learned the moves he used yesterday.

Read More:

British jiu-jitsu expert grabs Central Park 'purse snatcher'

before New Yorkers could lay a hand on him

New York Post - July 7, 2012 - By Bill Sanderson

Central Pk. mug foiled

New York Post - July 6, 2012 - By Bill Sanderson and Kirstan Conley