Police: Suspect Beat, Robbed 69-Year-Old Man In Bronx Elevator
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A South Bronx man said he is lucky to be alive after he was viciously beaten inside an elevator.
Police released surveillance video of the attack in hopes of tracking down a suspect wanted in connection with the violent Sept. 26 robbery.
Victor Diaz, 69, told CBS 2's John Slattery he was followed into the lobby of his Longwood building at around 5 p.m., and then into the elevator.
As soon as he pushed the button for the second floor, he was punched and kicked in a relentless attack, Slattery reported.
"He punched here on the left side (showing Slattery his arm). I cover my face. My glasses," Diaz said.
When the door opened he yelled for neighbors and the attacker took off. Not having enough time to get money out of Diaz's pocket, he took the gold chain from around his neck.
"Only my mistake was wearing necklace," Diaz said.
Diaz suffered bruises to the head, neck, shoulder, elbow and arm, as well as the ribs. Detectives were still interviewing Diaz for details.
For the many older people who live in this area, this is an alarming attack.
"This is terrible. Could happen to anybody. Could happen to me too," neighbor Carmen Sabater told Slattery.
"But you know, thank God I'm still alive," Diaz told Slattery.
The suspect is described as an Hispanic male in his 20s, about 5-feet-4-inches tall with a thin build and short black hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips to the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
