NYPD: Suspect Attacks, Robs Man In Wheelchair In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are looking for a man they said attacked and robbed a man in a wheelchair in the Bronx.
The 52-year-old victim was waiting for the elevator in his building on Southern Boulevard when the suspect engaged him in conversation Monday night.
The suspect then allegedly knocked the victim out of his wheelchair. He then overpowered the victim on the floor and took his wallet, police said.
The victim did not suffer serious injury, but as CBS2's Diane Macedo reported, residents said the same suspect has attacked others in the building as well.
Jose Cabrera can't walk and can barely speak after a stroke left him partially paralyzed 15-years-ago, but police said that didn't stop a man from preying on him on Monday night in his own apartment complex.
Cabrera's caretaker told CBS2's Macedo, in Spanish, that it happened as he was entering the elevator at 783 Southern Boulevard around 10 p.m.
The man yanked him by his pants, robbed him, and left him lying on the ground.
Cabrera's caretaker said the same man robbed him just two-months-ago in the same building.
Surveillance cameras captured the attack and an image of the suspect. Several residents who did not want to appear on camera said they recognize the man. They said he has been in and out of jail, comes around often, and has robbed other people in the building as well.
As for Cabrera.
"Nice guy, doesn't bother nobody, practically never even asked for help getting down the stairs with the wheelchair," Roberto Rivera said, "It's a shame people do things like that to him."
Police have released a surveillance photo of the suspect who has been identified as 58-year-old Jose Aguilar, neighbors know him as "Papo."
Papo allegedly made off with Cabrera's bank card, his social security card, and $119 in cash.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, visit the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
