Warren Man Charged With Robbing a Neighbor

A Warren man, 41, has been charged with robbing at knifepoint another Warren man, 20, who lives on the same street. He is being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston. 

Joel Robinson, of 32 Davis St., allegedly walked up to his neighbor near the corner of Water and Bowen streets on Oct. 7, pulled a knife and demanded his money, according to Warren police. 

The victim first refused to turn over his cash, police said. But Robinson said he would “shank” him – stab him in prison slang – if he didn’t comply. The victim pulled $140 out of his wallet and gave it to Robinson, police said.

The victim walked to his mother’s house on Davis Street and told her what happened. She said she recognized Robinson as someone who lives on the same street, according to Warren police.

She and her boyfriend decided to confront the alleged robber, police said. He reportedly waved a knife at them and refused to return the cash. The couple then drove to the Warren police department to report the theft. 

Robinson was picked up on a warrant on Oct. 9 and charged with first-degree robbery and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. He reportedly has an extensive criminal record.