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78-Year-Old Brooklyn Robbery Victim Speaks Out

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A 78-year-old man who police say was attacked and robbed at a Brooklyn deli last week is speaking out about the terrifying ordeal.

It happened around noon last Wednesday inside Shorty's Deli on Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Bedford Stuyvesant. The disturbing scene was captured on surveillance video.

Raymond Olowala, a retired plumber and MTA security worker, said that he was at the cash register buying some candy when a man he didn't know asked him to borrow his cell phone.

"I say no. This is my phone," Olowala told CBS2's Scott Rapoport.

Brooklyn Deli Robbery
Police are searching for a suspect who punched a 78-year-old man during an apparent robbery at a Brooklyn deli. (credit: NYPD)

Olowala said the man tried to take his phone, so he grabbed him to try and stop him.

That's when the victim says he was viciously attacked.

"He punched me. One punch he give to me here [points to face]. I lay down, then he started kicking me," Olowala said. "I am 78 years old, I have no power to fight him."

Police say a second man then came and robbed Olowala while he was on the ground hurt and defenseless.

"Took my wallet, took my phone," Olowala said.

Police say both suspects then bolted out of the store and remain on the loose.

Olowala was treated for bruises and cuts to his face at Woodhull Medical Center. He still has a large bruise below his eye.

When asked what he'd like to say to his alleged attackers Olowala replied, "When they grow up somebody will do that to them too."

The NYPD released surveillance video of the man wanted for allegedly punching Olowala. Police describe that suspect as a black man, 25 to 30 years old, about 5'9" tall with a slim build and a beard. He was last seen wearing a brown jacket, a gray hooded sweater and gray sweatpants.

They describe the second man, accused of taking the victim's wallet and cell phone, as a black man, 35 to 40 years old, 215 pounds with a beard. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweater, a red and black plaid sweater, blue jeans and black sneakers. Police did not release images of that suspect.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

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