A dinner party turned violent in West Hempstead Saturday night, police said, ending with the arrests of two residents at their Grant Avenue home.
According to Nassau County detectives, around 5:50 p.m., Albert Hendrickson, 52, and his wife, Darlene Schunk-Hendrickson, 50, both of West Hempstead, invited two of their friends to dinner at their home. However, during the dinner, a verbal argument ensued between Schunk-Hendrickson and a 47-year-old female victim.
The argument became physical, police said, when Schunk-Hendrickson tried to take a gold-colored necklace, which also held a ring, from the female victim’s neck. The victim then placed the necklace around her 42-year-old husband's neck so it could not be taken by Schunk-Hendrickson.
Police say that Schunk-Hendrickson persisted and eventually ripped the necklace from the male victim's neck, but was only able to keep the ring.
After the victims demanded their ring back, Albert Hendrickson pulled out a shotgun and pointed a shotgun at the couple, who were able to flee the home and call 911, police said.
Upon police arrival, the defendants refused to exit the home which lead to additional police assistance and the Nassau County Hostage Negotiation Team, police said. The situation ended with the Hendricksons being taken into custody just before midnight.
The defendants are being charged with two counts of robbery in the first degree, two counts of robbery in the second degree and criminal use of a firearm in the first degree.
Schunk-Hendrickson is additionally charged with criminal contempt in the second degree and resisting arrest. Both defendants will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Monday.
