Man Accused Of Trying To Rob NYPD Rabbi Arrested

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man is under arrest and charged with attempted robbery, accused of trying to mug an 84-year-old rabbi who serves as the NYPD's chief chaplain.

Suspect Rafael Diaz, 39, was seen leaving the 24th Precinct on Tuesday night.

Police say he's the man who approached Rabbi Alvin Kass on the Upper West Side on Tuesday morning, claiming he was hungry and needed money.

Diaz was allegedly going through the rabbi's pockets but took off empty-handed after a wallet fell to the ground, exposing Kass' police shield.

Kass was not injured and nothing was taken.

In addition to attempted robbery charges, Diaz has also been charged with attempted assault and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

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