Police Investigating Smithtown Robbery As Hate Crime

SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The robbery of an elderly man is being investigated as a hate crime, police on Long Island said.

A man followed the victim and saw him withdraw money at a Chase Bank on Route 347 in Smithtown last Halloween, police said.

The suspect then met up with another man and they followed the victim to a nearby New York Community Bank, police said.

While one suspect distracted the victim, police said the other stole money from the victim's car.

The suspects then fled in a small gray vehicle.

Police are pursuing the incident as a hate crime because it appears the suspects specifically targeted an elderly man, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

Police believe there may be other victims.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.