NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Edward Conklin, the notorious “aggressive panhandler” of New Rochelle is soon to be a national television star.
A&E Network has launched a new TV series called “I Survived a Crime”. The series airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET
Episode 7 of Season 1 is a piece on Anthony Orza, the owner of the Bread Factory who was the victim of a strong-arm robbery by Edward Conklin. The producers licensed image content of Conklin from Talk of the Sound.
Conklin was arrested on August 11th, 2020 following a strong-arm robbery, captured on CCTV surveillance video. The victim was Anthony Orza, an 87-year-old man and owner of the Bread Factory in New Rochelle.
As Orza was placing items in the back of his car his back was turned to Conklin, who can be seen in the video walking on the sidewalk along Grove Avenue near Warren Street, heading in the direction of downtown New Rochelle.
Conklin stopped and asked Orza for a dollar.
Orza turned and walked unsuspectingly towards Conklin who stood still except for his left hand flapping excitedly by his side.
Orza told police he reached into his pocket to take out cash. As he handed Conklin two dollars, Conklin took the two dollars with his left-hand then with both hands immediately grabbed another $800 he had in his other hand. A brief physical altercation ensued before Conklin broke free of Orza, taking Orza’s money and left the scene, heading West on Grove Avenue.
Andrea Oliveri, Orza’s daughter told police she observed the incident from a CCTV video monitor in the store then came outside to find out what happened. When her father told her Conklin took his money, Oliveri pursued Conklin for half a mile to a building. After Conklin arrived, New Rochelle Police arrived and arrested Conklin.
Hosted by award-winning ABC News reporter Gio Benitez, “I Survived a Crime” takes viewers on a journey into the experience of being a victim of a sudden crime, from the moment those attacked first perceive the danger through the potential long-lasting effects. Using surveillance and cell phone footage captured during the crime, the series follows individuals going about their daily lives who were confronted with a dangerous situation and forced to make a quick decision on how to protect themselves or their families.
Conklin is a notorious drug addict, drug dealer and a thief and notoriously aggressive and sometimes, violent panhandler. He has been harassing shoppers and visitors in downtown New Rochelle for more than a decade.
Conklin was charged with a felony charge of Robbery — Third for the Orza incident, and was facing 2 misdemeanors (drugs) and 20 City Code violations. He made a plea deal with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office after undergoing a psychological examination at the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla, NY.
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