Police Seek Suspect Wanted In 10 Manhattan Muggings
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD is asking the public for help in tracking down a man who they say has mugged at least 10 people in Manhattan this month.
The street robberies occurred in Chelsea, the Upper West Side, Midtown and the Financial District.
One Chelsea resident told CBS 2's Pablo Guzman that he was surprised to hear about the muggings.
"I don't know. I just...you never really think of this area having very much crime anymore," Ben Peck said.
The suspect, who is believed to be between 35 and 45 years old, has been seen wearing a "Scarface" hooded sweatshirt. Police described the suspect as being 5'7" to 5'9" and weighing between 160 and 180 pounds.
Police said in each incident the suspect indicates that he has a gun while usually demanding money or cell phones before fleeing on foot. In some cases, the suspect actually displays a weapon, police said.
Authorities released a surveillance photo image of the suspect which was taken on June 22. In that incident, Guzman reported that the suspect followed a woman up the stairs from the subway station at Broadway and 72nd Street and into the lobby of her apartment building, where she was robbed her of her cell phone.
The latest alleged mugging occurred Thursday night around 8 p.m. on West 22nd Street. Police said the suspect stole a cell phone from a 27-year-old woman.
No injuries have been reported. The victims, both male and female, have ranged in age from 24 to 63.
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 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
