Police Release New Surveillance Video Of Man Wanted In 16 Brooklyn Armed Robberies
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have released new surveillance video of a man wanted in a string of armed robberies in Brooklyn.
The suspect is believed to be responsible for at least 16 violent home invasions and armed robberies since January in the East Flatbush area. The man either approaches the victims on the street, or forces his way into their homes, police said.
The video is from the latest incident, which police said occurred around 6:45 a.m. on June 13. It shows the suspect riding a bike down the street while flashing a gun as he makes his getaway after robbing his latest victim, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.
The 38-year-old homeowner, who asked not to be identified, said he had just returned to his Tilden Avenue home after running an errand when the incident occurred.
"When I came back inside my house I found a total stranger. I said 'what the hell' and the gentleman pointed a gun at me," the victim told Burrell.
The suspect apparently let himself in through a back window that was cracked.
The victim said the man threatened his brother with the weapon as well while he called 911. The suspect made off with a watch, an old iPhone and a electronic game system that you can see in his hand on the video as he rides away on a Kings Highway service road, Burrell reported.
CBS2's Tony Aiello talked to three of the victims last month. They all said they were sitting innocently at home when all of a sudden, the man was in front of them sticking a gun in their face.
They said the man demanded cash, jewelry, and even Nintendo game consoles.
Another victim said her purse was taken at gunpoint.
"He pointed it at my face," she said, calling the experience "terrifying; like, it's not something you forget."
None of the victims, who range in age from 25 to 79, have been seriously hurt.
Anyone with information was asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, log onto the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
