Central Park Mugger Makes Off With Tourist's Phone
NEW YORK (CBS 2/1010 WINS) -- A man visiting New York on business became the victim of a mugger in Central Park.
According to investigators, the suspect approached the 39-year-old Florida man as he walked near East 61st Street at about 7 p.m. Monday night.
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The alleged mugger demanded the man's cell phone and when the victim refused, the suspect punched him in the face and stole his BlackBerry phone and a camera, police said.
The victim has been treated for minor injuries.
Some New Yorkers aren't surprised by the attack.
"Most people who aren't watching what they're doing end up being victims," one man said. "Not to say he deserved it, especially a tourist who doesn't know the area -- he probably was targeted. That wouldn't happen to a New Yorker."
The alleged attack happened just a stone's throw away from the Plaza, Wollman Rink and the zoo.
"It usually is very safe at this part of the park at that time of night," one woman said. "A lot of tourists come to this area and there's really not ever any problem."
The attack had some recalling the days of when crime was high at Central Park.
"I remember when you didn't go into the park at all late at night, you didn't even think about going into the park late at night," one man said. "I still am a bit weary of it but not as I used to be. There are always cops near the upscale living spaces, it's unusual to hear about that sort of thing these days."
