NYPD: 'Ice Pick Bandit' Claims 2 More Victims

NEW YORK (CBS 2/1010 WINS) -- A mugger who has been attacking victims in city elevators with an ice pick has apparently struck again in Stuyvesant Town.

Despite warning flyers, with a suspect photo posted all over the neighborhood, the NYPD said Thursday it strongly believes the man just struck again, not once but twice, reports CBS 2's Dave Carlin.

This crime spree has been dubbed the "ice pick bandit,' because he often has that as a weapon or a knife.

If indeed these crimes were committed by the same man, they would bring his total to six, with three in Co-Op city, one in Peter Cooper Village and now two more on Thursday. Police said the attacks happened in two elevators, within minutes of each other, in Stuyvesant Town. In every case the victim has been woman inside an elevator. The armed man steals jewelry, bags, cell phones and cash.

Neighbors said this man is getting in way too easily.

"Because we have no doormen and because for reasons unknown to me the doors are open so you can just walk in the building. I mean, they are just propped open," resident Martha Geissinger said.

The suspect is believed to be in his 40s, about 6-foot and 250 pounds, with a close-cut beard. He was last seen wearing a green jacket.

Police reiterated that an already brazen criminal is getting even more so, as evidenced by the two attacks on Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.