CBS2 Exclusive: Lower East Side Man, 76, Says He Has Been Robbed 3 Times Near Apartment
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Being robbed is bad enough, but a 76-year-old Lower East Side man has been robbed again and again – in a place he should be able to feel safe.
As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported exclusively Friday, Juan Joao said he feels like a target in his own home.
"Very scared – scary, to, you know, punch me or kill me," Joao said. "I'm very scared."
This past weekend, Joao endured a robbery attack inside his apartment building in the Bernard Baruch Houses public housing development this past weekend.
Joao, who is retired, said he was leaving his apartment around 8 a.m. when two men shoved him back inside and knocked him to the ground, taking his wallet and $100 in cash.
"I got no time to see nothing," Joao said. "It's just so quick -- drop me on the floor."
He said even worse, this was not the first time something like this has happened to him. Not even close.
"It's hard to believe," Joao said.
Joao said he has been robbed right in front of his apartment door three times in the last seven months.
The first time was back in October. Police said a man with a knife got Joao as he entered his apartment, and robbed him of $500 and a cell phone.
Joao said he was robbed a second time in December – attacked by a man waiting for him in a staircase who then ran off.
Each time, Joao said, the assailants were wearing masks.
"It's the same thing," he said. "It's always the same thing."
Police told CBS 2 there is no indication that the same robbers are targeting Joao.
But the victim said it has to be the same people – though he does not know why they are doing it.
He further said he is taking no chances. After last weekend's latest attack, he installed a very conspicuous security system for all to see.
"Now I can't trust anybody," he said.
In a statement to CBS2, the New York City Housing Authority said: "The safety of NYCHA residents is oiur top priority. This incident is under investigation by the NYPD."
