Cops: Knife-Wielding Robber Targeting NYC Deliverymen
NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- Police are searching for a knife-wielding robber who is targeting his victims in lobbies and elevators.
Police say the suspect is responsible for a series of armed robberies at knifepoint, and that the victims are all Asian and Hispanic men delivering food at night, reports CBS 2's John Slattery.
Boureima Ouderama delivers food for a pizza shop.
"I'm scared about that," Ouderama said. "It worries me."
The latest incident happened last Friday evening at a building on West 104th Street, where a 40-year-old deliveryman was held up but not hurt.
The crime spree started in mid-July with a robbery at West 88th Street. The other four have all taken place in October. One happened at 99th Street and Columbus Avenue, another downtown on West 18th Street, and then 11 days later on West 24th Street.
The most recent incident occurred at Manhattan Avenue and 104th Street, an area where the managers of some local eateries say their delivery men don't go up in elevators.
"He doesn't go inside, he just goes to the lobby," restaurant manager Gheng Fung said.
Video of the suspect was captured in an elevator of a building on 24th Street near Eighth Avenue.
In a building on 104th, the Douglass Houses, residents are concerned.
"I'm nervous now. It makes me more aware, I don't feel as safe anymore," resident Catherine Aponte said. "I hate going by myself now."
Police describe the bold robber as between 30 and 40 years old, approximately five-foot-nine and 190 pounds. In each incident, he wore a black jacket, black pants and a black cap.
Unfortunately for him, the security pictures are so good, it's likely someone will identify him and call police.
Police say a reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information that leads to the man's conviction.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted to the Crime Stoppers' website or by texting to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
