Police: Suspect Robbed Autistic Man Of Birthday Money In Stamford

STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- Police said a 27-year-old autistic man was robbed of $100 he had received for his birthday after being tricked by a man who befriended him at a park in Stamford.

The entire incident, which happened around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the breezeway leading from Veteran's Park and into the Stamford Town Center, was captured on surveillance video.

Police said the victim was on his way to buy video games with the money when a man approached him and engaged in conversation.

That's when the man excitedly showed the suspect his birthday money, police said. The man takes the money and appears to  taunt the victim before pretending to put it back in the victim's pocket, police said.

In the video, the man then gives the victim a hug and walks away. Police said the victim didn't realize the money was gone until it was too late.

Stamford police and the police union have started a collection for the victim to get him his money back.

Police describe the suspect as a black man who was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with a square-shaped print on it and striped pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Stamford Police Department's Bureau of Criminal Investigations at 203-977-4417.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com: