Police On The Hunt For Bronx Robbery Suspect Targeting Elderly Victims

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police in the Bronx are looking for a robbery suspect accused of targeting elderly victims and taking their money.

Authorities said the suspect, who can be seen on surveillance footage released by police Thursday night, has struggled with and assaulted female seniors ranging from 65-81 years old in Tremont and Norwood.

The first incident occurred on Saturday, April 23 around 8:50 a.m., when the suspect engaged an 80-year-old woman in conversation.  Police said he punched the woman in the face and took money.  The victim was treated for her injuries and released.

Just a few hours later, the suspect struck again, according to police. Around 11:30 a.m., the man attacked an 81-year-old woman and also took an undetermined amount of money.

The latest robbery happened Wednesday around 2:30 p.m. in Tremont. Police said the suspect helped an 80-year-old woman with her groceries. The suspect then asked the woman for a dollar, but when the victim incidicated that she didn't have any money, the suspect assaulted her and tried to steal her pocketbook. Witnesses saw the commotion and the suspect fled the scene.

Anyone with information in regards to these robberies is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.