One of the two men accused of posing as water services workers to rob a man in his apartment faced a judge Wednesday.
Frank Pollina, 37, was arraigned for charges of one count of robbery and one count of armed criminal action for the April 22 robbery on the 2300 block of Minnie Street in the city's northeast neighborhood.
According to the court documents, Pollina and another man wore traffic vests and told the victim that they needed to check his water pressure. Once inside the man's apartment, court records said Pollina's accomplice turned on a couple of faucets and flushed a toilet before punching the victim with a closed fist, causing swelling and bruising.
The accomplice pulled out a handgun and demanded the man's money. A struggle ensued and Pollina entered the apartment and punched the victim in the mouth, according to the probable cause statement filed Tuesday.
The victim began to yell for help and the suspects ran off with his wallet and $40 in cash.
Before the suspects drove away in a white Dodge pickup truck, the victim observed the truck's license plate and noticed the tailgate missing.
Two days later, North Kansas City police spotted the truck in the parking lot of the 1400 block of Northeast Hillside Road. When the truck was getting towed, Pollina approached officers and told them he was the owner of the truck.
Later that day, the victim picked Pollina from a photo lineup. Police issued a stop order for Pollina on April 26, according to the court filings.
On Tuesday, Blue Springs police arrested the 37-year-old man. He was transported and booked at KCPD's South Patrol station.
Pollina didn't give investigators a statement and requested an attorney.
Pollina’s next court hearing is scheduled for June 23, and he is being held on a $75,000 bond.
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Andres Gutierrez can be reached at andres.gutierrez@kshb.com
