Police: Glove-Wearing Attacker Punches Woman In The Face, Tries To Steal Purse In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A glove-wearing attacker was seen on surveillance video punching a woman in the face and knocking her to the ground as he tried to steal her purse in the Bronx, police said Tuesday.
It happened shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday in the borough's Norwood section.
Investigators said the 40-year-old woman was waiting in the vestibule of a building around East 201 Street and Briggs Avenue when the man walked up behind her.
He tried to take her purse, but when she resisted, the man punched her in the face and threw her to the ground, police said. He tried to rip her bag away again before finally giving up and fleeing the scene empty-handed, cops said.
The suspect was last seen riding a bike on East 201st Street. The woman was taken to a hospital, where she was treated for a facial fracture and cuts to her head, police said.
CBS2's Janelle Burrell spoke with a woman who lives in the building and said she saw the attack. She was too scared to talk on camera because the suspect is still at large.
She said the incident was so disturbing and violent that it left her shaking for days.
Others who live in the building could only shake their heads in disbelief as Burrell showed them video of the attack.
"It's getting crazy," said Courtney Edwards. "Makes no sense. Makes no sense. This area was a good area, but I guess it's going down, too."
"It's scary," added Arelis Gaudite. "And it's early, because that's the time we all get home from work. And it could have been me 'cause I missed it by 10 minutes."
Others like Reuben said he's concerned about his family and is urging others to take a good look at the suspect and be proactive to protect their loved ones.
"Your wife is coming from work, meet her at the train station," he suggested. "I mean, you're only protecting yours."
Police described the suspect as a bald black man between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall. He was seen wearing white gloves.
Posters with the suspect's image have been plastered on the building's door and in the neighborhood.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477), visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
