Nov 30, 2009 11:37 pm US/Eastern
Dying Man Robbed At Philadelphia Hospital
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Philadelphia Folklore Project
An educator and community leader became a victim of crime as he lapsed into unconsciousness in the waiting room of a Philadelphia hospital Saturday. Police say as the victim was dying, instead of seeking help, three people saw it as an opportunity to rob him.
Police say in the final moments of his life, 63-year-old Joaquin Rivera was robbed of his wrist watch.
Police records indicate Rivera walked into the Aria Frankford Hospital emergency room at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday complaining of pain in his left arm and torso. As his wait to be treated moved into its second hour, Rivera lost consciousness.
Police say during this time, Richard Atlen and two others, removed Rivera's watch, passed it around and left the hospital with it.
According to police, a witness who noticed the theft and realized Rivera had apparently stopped breathing, notified hospital officials who rushed him into the emergency room. Rivera was pronounced dead one hour and 19 minutes after arriving at the hospital.
"You go to the hospital for help and you end up dying and get robbed at the same time, you know, it's pretty said," said Captain Jack McGinnis of Northeast Detectives.
Alten was taken into custody at the hospital and remains behind bars in lieu of bail. Police say they may release hospital security video in hopes of catching the other two suspects.
Aria Frankford Hospital has released the following statement:
"Due to the pending criminal investigation and citing patient confidentiality, Aria Health is unable to comment with regards to the circumstances surrounding this patient's death. Aria Health is cooperating fully with the Philadelphia Police Department in connection with the investigation and offers its condolences to the patient's family."
Joaquin Rivera was described by friends as a bilingual counselor who dedicated 30 years to students at Olney High School. He was a tireless advocate for keeping Puerto Rican Folk arts alive and recently wrote a song for a documentary. Funeral arrangements for Rivera are pending.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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