NYPD Looking For Violent Smartphone Robbery Suspect In Astoria
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police in Queens are looking for a suspect they said has violently attacked women for their smartphones.
The three incidents took place in Astoria, with the first incident taking place back on Sept. 14. That's when police said a 27-year-old woman was walking along 35th Street and 36th Avenue when the suspect displayed a knife, punched her in the face and took her iPhone.
On Sept. 15, police said the same suspect punched a 23-year-old female victim in the face after threatening her with a knife before also taking her iPhone. That incident happened near 24th Street and 28th Avenue.
In the latest incident on Monday, two victims -- a 24-year-old woman and a 27-year-old woman -- were walking near 39th Avenue and 31st Street when the suspect said he had a gun and demanded their phones. He got away with an iPhone and Galaxy phone before fleeing the scene, police said.
The suspect is described as a black male, between 20 and 25 years old and approximately 165 pounds. Police have also released a surveillance video of him.
Anyone with information 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 TIP 577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
