A serial mugger responsible for ten robberies across Brooklyn and Manhattan has now set his sights on the Upper East Side, targeting a woman walking down the street in broad daylight last week, according to police, who warn that the many of the victims have one thing in common.
The mugging spree started back on December 9th, when the suspect approached a 54-year-old woman in front of a hotel on East 43rd Street in Midtown, snatched her wallet and fled the scene. Things only escalated from there.
ALSO READ | UES Smoke Shop Targeted in Late Night Robbery is Second in Four Days
The mugger would then strike nine more times — targeting mostly women and one elderly man — on the Upper West Side, twice in Lower Manhattan, Midtown a second time, as well as four times in Brooklyn, before turning his attention to the Upper East Side.
Following the first theft two months ago, police say the suspect began targeting people carrying bags with laptops, iPads or other electronics inside.
The most recent attack was Last Saturday, February 11th, just before 3:30 pm when detectives say a woman walking in front of 820 Park Avenue near the corner of East 75th street became the mugger’s most recent victim, ripping her laptop bag off her shoulder and running away.
ALSO READ | Man & Woman Violently Assaulted in Front of UES Deli: NYPD
Thankfully there were no injuries reported in the UES attack and eight other muggings, however, one woman suffered minor injuries when the suspect shoved her to the ground, authorities say.
Wednesday night, the NYPD released a surveillance image of the suspect, seen inside a subway station — though it’s not clear which one — with his hair in braids and wearing a black hoodie, jacket and pants, as well as what appear to be black and white Nike Air Force Ones and a white KN-95-style mask.
The suspect is by police described as standing 5’11 tall with a slim build.
If you recognize the suspect or have any information that can help police, you’re asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477.
For updates around the clock, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
