Cellular Thief Strikes In L.I.C., Astoria
Police released last Wednesday, Oct. 10, the image of a man wanted for a recent series of robberies around Long Island City and Astoria in the hope someone will recognize him and provide information leading to his arrest.
He is described by law enforcement sources as an African-American male believed to be 20 years of age, standing between 6′- and 6’3″-tall with a thin build.
Authorities said the perpetrator is responsible for eight robberies between Aug. 1 and Sept. 20 in which he approached the victims from behind, swiped iPhones out of their hands and fled from the scene. None of the victims were injured.
Three of the snatchings reportedly took place at the Court Square-23rd Street subway station, located in the vicinity of 44th Drive and 21st Street. Police said the suspect robbed victims on a stairwell at 9:25 p.m. on Aug. 1, and on the E train platform at 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 7 and 12:40 p.m. on Sept. 15.
Police said the five other incidents took place in Astoria on the following dates and locations:
– Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the area of 36th Avenue and 29th Street;
– Sept. 17 at 12:30 p.m. in the vicinity of 35th Avenue and 28th Street;
– Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. in the area of Broadway and 31st Street;
– Sept. 19 at 3:30 p.m. in the vicinity of 37th Avenue and 31st Street;
– Sept. 20 at 3:15 p.m. in the area of 35th Avenue and 28th Street.
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1- 800-577-TIPS, by text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
All calls and messages will be kept confidential.
