Police are investigating a robbery and assault of a Town of Hempstead Public Safety Officer who was assigned to the interior of Averill Boulevard Park in Elmont on Saturday night, Aug. 4.

According to police, the officer was assigned to the park because its lights were not working. At approximately 11:30 p.m., the officer was jumped from behind by unknown subjects who began hitting and kicking him while he was on the ground.

The suspects then demanded the officer's gun. The officer stated he did not carry a gun. His shield was then ripped from his uniform shirt. The officer was then able to call his supervisor over the radio. The supervisor called 911.

Nassau County Police Officers searched the park and found the public safety office lying on the ground, barely able to speak, police said. The victim was complaining of pain in the rib cage area. He was transported to Franklin Hospital Medical Center.

According to a Town of Hempstead spokesperson, the public safety officer is in good shape and is back to work, although he did suffer a broken nose.

After a brief search of the area, the officer's shield was recovered. Detectives ask anyone with information concerning the incident to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Police are also investigating the robbery of a 12-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle with his brother in Elmont last Friday, Aug. 3.

According to police, the boy was riding his bike at approximately 7:30 p.m. when he was approached by five males, between the ages of 12 and 15, four of who were riding bicycles.

One of the subjects, approximately 15 years old and wearing blue jeans and a gray shirt, punched the boy in the mouth, causing a laceration to the lip, police said.

The subject then took the boy's bike and the five males fled southbound on Meacham Avenue. Detectives ask anyone with information concerning the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.