Police: Asian Victims Targeted In Violent String Of Manhattan Elevator Robberies
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Six violent robberies in Manhattan have police examining a pattern.
Authorities said the attacker has targeted victims of Asian descent by following them into elevators and assaulting them repeatedly by punching them in the face and head before robbing them.
The attacks took place between Jan. 17 and Jan. 24.
The first incident happened on Jan. 17 around 8 a.m. A 44-year-old woman sustained injuries to the left side of her face in the assault. The suspect got away with the victim's bag, which contained credit cards, a driver's license and keys, police said.
Police: Asian Victims Targeted In Violent String Of Manhattan Elevator Robberies
The second attack on Jan. 19 involved a 46-year-old woman, who was struck on the left side of her face. The suspect robbed the victim of her purse, containing money, credit cards and an iPhone.
During the third incident, a 64-year-old man was punched numerous times and suffered a broken nose and swollen lip after getting into an elevator around 2:30 p.m. The suspect robbed the victim of his wallet and ID card.
On Jan. 23 around 6 a.m., a 46-year-old man was punched several times in the face before being robbed of his cellphone and wallet.
The suspect then attacked again a few hours later on Jan. 24. This time, at around 8:30 p.m., a 62-year-old man was followed into an elevator, punched in the face before being robbed of his cellphone and wallet.
The latest attack took place on Jan. 24 at around 8:30 a.m. when a 47-year-old woman was punched repeatedly and had her purse taken.
The NYPD described the suspect as a Hispanic man between 25 and 35 years old. Authorities said he is between 6-foot and 6-2 and 200 to 240 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.
Anyone with information in regards to these incidents is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
