Biking Thief Robs Women In Woodhaven
Woodhaven residents and visitors are asked by police to be on the lookout for a bike-riding teenager responsible for over a dozen thefts from female pedestrians around the neighborhood dating back to last October.
Law enforcement sources described the perpetrator as a Hispanic or black male on board a BMX or a mountain bike, who was seen on a security camera photo wearing a hooded sweatshirt.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation stated that as many as two other individuals fitting the same description may also be involved in the pattern.
According to the NYPD, the suspect has robbed women of their cell phones or pocketbooks on 18 occasions in the last three months. Reportedly, the bandit rode up to the victim, snatched the property and pedaled away in an unknown direction.
In two of the cases, authorities said, the victims suffered minor injuries after being knocked to the ground and/or trying to fight off the crook.
The thefts reportedly took place in two different areas of Woodhaven: a section generally bounded by Jamaica Avenue, Park Lane South, Woodhaven Boulevard and Dexter Court; and the vicinity of Jamaica Avenue, 85th Street, Atlantic Avenue andWoodhaven Boulevard.
Police said the robberies have occurred primarily during afternoon and early evening hours between 4 and 9 p.m. Each of the cases were reported to the 102nd Precinct.
The investigation of the pattern is being conducted by the NYPD Queens Robbery Squad, with Det. Keith Zullo and Sgt. Ronald Buell assigned to the case. A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and convic- tion of the suspected bandit.
Anyone with any information regarding the robberies or 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 will be kept confidential.
Police urge anyone who is the victim of a robbery or any other crime to call 911 immediately in order to assist officers in tracking down the suspect( s) as quickly as possible.
